KATHMANDU: Medical experts have shed light on the treatability of childhood cancers, emphasizing that they have higher cure rates compared to cancers in adults.
Pediatric Oncologist at Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Dr. Sucharika Tandukar, highlighted that childhood cancers present better cure rates due to fewer associated diseases, thus increasing the chances of recovery.
Dr. Tandukar underscored the challenges faced by children with cancer in Nepal, revealing that approximately 1,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, but only half have access to necessary treatment.
She lamented the untimely deaths of many children due to limited access to treatment facilities in the country.
Similarly, Dr. Rhitu Sapkota, Pediatric Oncologist at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, revealed that while 30 percent of childhood cancers are curable, around 70 percent of children remain untreated due to delays in seeking medical attention.
Comparing survival rates, Dr. Sapkota noted a stark difference between underdeveloped and developed countries, citing a survival rate of 80-90 percent in developed nations compared to lower rates in Nepal.
The government has set an ambitious target to cure 60 percent of childhood cancers by 2030 in Nepal. Notably, blood cancer boasts a 97 percent cure rate among children globally.
Blood cancer, bone cancer, and eye cancer are among the most prevalent types found in children.
While heredity accounts for 10 percent of childhood cancer cases, the majority (90 percent) are attributed to genetic defects.
Treatment facilities for childhood cancers are available at institutions such as Patan Academy of Health Sciences, BP Koirala Memorial Hospital, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, and Kanti Bal Hospital.
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