The survival rate for children diagnosed with cancer reaches 75 per cent if the cases are discovered in the early stages, paediatric oncologists said on Monday.
Around 100,000 children worldwide die annually from cancer because they lack access to optimal therapy, according to Rawad Rihani, president of the Jordan Society of Paediatric Oncology (JSPO).
She explained that cancer affects around 100 to 150 children per million, and that complete cure rates can exceed 75 per cent, if prompt and essential therapy is available.
Rihani made the remarks at a press conference yesterday to mark International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), which is observed worldwide on February 15.
In Jordan, childhood cancer constitutes 7 to 10 per cent of all cancer cases, she said.
According to the latest figures released by the National Cancer Registry, 232 children below the age of 15 were diagnosed with cancer in 2008, compared to 175 in 2004.
ICCD Chairperson Nesreen Faqih said the majority of cases were diagnosed in the central region, with acute leukaemia accounting for a third of the cases, followed by brain and central nervous system tumours at 19 and 16 to per cent.
Lymphomas (tumours of lymphatic tissue) accounted for 12 per cent of the total cases, while adrenal gland and endocrine tumours stood at 6 per cent.
The JSPO organised several activities to mark the ICCD, which included awareness campaigns conducted in major shopping malls.
The society will also hold a science day on February 26 in collaboration with the King Hussein Cancer Centre for both paediatricians and nurses.
By Khetam Malkawi
Jordan Times