Dr. Ata Ur Rehman Maaz, Senior Attending Physician at Sidra Medicine's Hematology and Oncology Department.
Doha: Treatment of childhood cancer has dramatically improved with advances in drug therapies over the years, and advanced treatment methods are available in Qatar.
As standard treatment methods are available in Qatar, travelling abroad for treatment for most cancers is unnecessary, said Dr. Ata Ur Rehman Maaz, who is Senior Attending Physician at Sidra Medicine's Hematology and Oncology Department.
Dr. Maaz said childhood cancer is very rare and it affects around one in 7,000 children under 15 years of age. “In Qatar, we see around 70 to 100 cases of childhood cancer every year. Leukemias, and central nervous system tumours are the most common groups of cancer in children, making-up around half of all the cancers in children,” he told The Peninsula.
“Cancer can and does occur in children, but if treated in a timely manner, the outcome is excellent. Sidra Medicine, along with National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), is equipped to treat most cancer types, and all standard treatment modalities are available locally (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy). Travelling abroad for treatment for most cancers is unnecessary,” he added.
Most childhood cancers are curable. “Early detection can, at least in theory, help catch a cancer before it has had a chance to spread to other organs. In such cases the outcome would naturally be better for the cancer that has not spread,” said Dr. Maaz.
As part of its efforts and continuing commitment to precision medicine and cancer research, Sidra Medicine recently published a study which analysed the relationship between tumour cells and immune cells and the impact of anti-tumour immune responses related to the survival of young cancer patients.
Every September, advocacy groups, healthcare institutions, patients, and families raise awareness of childhood cancer.
“It is extremely important to be aware that cancer is not just a disease for the old. It can occur in children, and that if it does occur the sooner it is highlighted to the healthcare professionals the better. In some cases, that in it may determine the outcome. It is also extremely important to be aware that childhood cancer has a dramatically different outlook compared to adult cancers. Most children who develop cancers will still be alive 5 years after the diagnosis — as long as they are diagnosed in time and treated appropriately,” said Dr. Maaz. He said the most important thing to remember is that childhood cancer is not caused by anything the child or their parents did or did not do.
According to Dr. Maaz, unlike the adult type cancers, paediatric cancers are not related to life choices or lifestyles. “In most cases, we do not know what was the reason any individual child developed cancer. Some are result of a viral infection, but mostly we don’t find out. At a cellular level the cancer is the result of certain genetic changes that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Very few (roughly around 5%) represent a germline (inherited) genetic change that leads to cancer development,” he said.
“Family history is also important because there are some childhood cancers that have a genetic link because they run in the family,” he added.
Dr. Maaz said that early signs and symptoms of childhood cancer could be continued unexplained weight loss; headaches, which are followed by vomiting in the early morning; increased swelling or persistent pain in the bones, joints, back or legs; a lump or mass especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or armpits; and development of excessive bruising, bleeding or a rash.
Little Reem, is one of the brave cancer-fighting heroes at Sidra Medicine. Her parents on Sidra Medicine’s official Instagram said: “We are truly grateful to the wonderful team at Sidra Medicine for the well-rounded care we received, which included both clinical and psychological support.
“Our advise to parents with children with cancer is to continue seeking strength and moral support from family and friends and that through patience and prayer, may God help you and your child overcome this difficult stage.”
