Shaukat Khanum Specialists on Childhood Cancer

For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, we spoke to Dr Sadia Javed Khan, consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital.

Did you know that 4,500 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK? That’s ten children every day. Thanks to investment in research and treatment, survival has increased dramatically over the past 50 years and four out of five young cancer patients can be successfully treated.

Let’s compare these numbers to Pakistan, where over 8,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year. That’s double the amount.  That’s over 20 children a day. With no national health service and 40% of the population living in poverty, the survival rates in Pakistan are much lower.

In this short, interview, Dr Sadia gives us the lowdown on childhood cancer in Pakistan, and what signs doctors should not ignore.

Is childhood cancer easy to treat?

“That depends. Early detection of cancer in children and proper treatment under the supervision of qualified paediatric oncologists always makes it easier to treat and/or cure the disease.”

Is it true that child patients have a better chance at recovery than adults?

“The mortality rate among child cancer patients is lower than it is with adult cancer patients. This is because children are generally healthier. It’s less likely for them to have heart, liver or lung diseases, as is common with adults -due to smoking, depression or an unhealthy diet. All this makes cancer easier to cure in children.”

What key factor can improve the chances of recovery in child cancer patients?

“An early diagnosis is key! In Pakistan, there is a shortage of paediatric oncologists, which often results in late diagnosis for many patients. Treatment becomes more challenging in such circumstances.”

What can we do to address this issue?

“Our public request to all Pakistani doctors is this: If a child patient comes to you with anaemia; an abdominal tumour; bone pain or a bone tumour, please refer the patient to a paediatric oncologist immediately.”

It probably doesn’t help if people who live in remote areas of Pakistan, simply don’t have access to proper medical facilities.

“This is true. There is still a lot to be done in the advancement of treating childhood cancer. Our plea is that governments and generous people work together towards establishing children’s hospitals on a provincial level.”

At IKCA we believe that when it comes to cancer, prevention is the best cure. To find out more about Childhood Cancer and some ways we can protect our children, read our blog about Childhood Cancer.

Can you help support the full or partial treatment of a child cancer patient? Find out how patient sponsorship works, and how your donation can save lives.