Childhood Cancer Treatment More Successful than in Adults, Say Doctors

Medical experts have highlighted a promising trend in the realm of cancer treatment, asserting that childhood cancers exhibit higher success rates compared to those in adults. Pediatric Oncologists from prominent medical institutions in Nepal shed light on this encouraging development, emphasizing the potential for better outcomes in pediatric cases.

Dr. Sucharika Tandukar, a distinguished Pediatric Oncologist at Patan Academy of Health Sciences, underscored the favorable prognosis associated with childhood cancers. She remarked that unlike adults who may have concurrent health issues complicating their cancer treatment, children with cancer often present fewer comorbidities, thus enhancing the likelihood of successful recovery. Dr. Tandukar lamented the unfortunate reality that many children in Nepal succumb to cancer due to limited access to treatment, stressing the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure to address this pressing issue.

Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Rhitu Sapkota, Pediatric Oncologist at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, reiterated the optimism surrounding childhood cancer treatment outcomes. Dr. Sapkota revealed that while approximately 30 percent of childhood cancer cases achieve full recovery, a significant portion remains untreated due to delays in accessing medical care. She highlighted the substantial gap in survival rates between underdeveloped and developed countries, emphasizing the imperative of bolstering healthcare resources to bridge this disparity.

Notably, the government of Nepal has set an ambitious target of achieving a 60 percent cure rate for childhood cancers by 2030, signaling a commitment to prioritizing pediatric oncology initiatives. Dr. Sapkota emphasized the remarkable success rates observed in global pediatric cancer treatment, particularly citing a 97 percent cure rate for blood cancer among children worldwide.

Childhood cancers predominantly manifest in forms such as blood cancer, bone cancer, and eye cancer, with hereditary factors contributing to a minority of cases. Treatment facilities for childhood cancers are available at several esteemed institutions including Patan Academy of Health Sciences, BP Koirala Memorial Hospital, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, and Kanti Bal Hospital, underscoring a concerted effort to combat pediatric malignancies across Nepal.

As medical professionals continue to advocate for enhanced access to pediatric oncology services, the promising trajectory of childhood cancer treatment stands as a beacon of hope for patients and families grappling with this formidable disease.