Early Detection Vital for Pediatric Cancer Survival: INP

Pediatric cancer patients in Mexico have a 70% chance of survival on average, though this rate fluctuates based on the tumor's progression at the time of diagnosis, according to the National Institute of Pediatrics (INP). During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, observed in September, experts highlight the importance of improving survival rates through early detection and specialized care.

First-contact healthcare providers are essential in identifying early warning signs of pediatric cancer, according to Rocío Cárdenas, Specialist, INP. She notes that one of the key factors in increasing survival rates is ensuring that general practitioners and primary care providers are well-trained and up to date in identifying potential cancer cases. Swift referral to specialized care is crucial for improving outcomes.

Symptoms of pediatric cancer vary depending on the type, but some of the most common signs include unexplained bone pain, persistent fevers, enlarged lymph nodes, recurrent infections, and abnormal bruising or bleeding. Additionally, abnormal growths in any part of the body should raise concern.?

Each year, about 300,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer. About 2,000 children die of cancer annually in Mexico alone, as reported by Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Pediatric cancer encompasses a range of tumor types, including leukemia, brain tumors, lymphoma, and solid tumors such as neuroblastoma and Wilms' tumor.?

Survivors of pediatric cancer face long-term challenges, including social reintegration and ongoing medical monitoring, as reported by the SSA. Some treatments can leave lasting effects on various organs, requiring lifelong follow-up care. This highlights the importance of both immediate and sustained support for cancer survivors.

The INP has taken proactive steps in improving early diagnosis and providing timely and free care. This includes outreach efforts aimed at educating families and first-level healthcare providers on the warning signs of pediatric cancer. These initiatives help ensure that potential cases are referred to specialists without delay, thus increasing the chances of survival.

Despite these actions, pushing for legislative changes remains a challenge. “We encountered significant resistance to the amendments to workplace policies for families affected by pediatric cancer. One primary challenge is the reluctance from employers and policymakers who feared the financial implications and disruptions that extended medical leave might cause,” Kenji López Cuevas, President and Board Member, Union for International Cancer Control, tells MBN.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in collaboration with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, aims to strengthen the response of health systems to pediatric cancer. This initiative falls under the World Health Organization's Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, which seeks to improve access to early diagnosis and quality care for pediatric cancer patients worldwide.