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Tribune News Network
Doha
QATAR Cancer Society (QCS) has launched the ‘Fadetcom’ campaign, which is observed in September each year, to raise awareness of childhood cancers.
Dr Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, head of Professional Development and Scientific Research Department at QCS, said, “In 2016, according to Qatar National Cancer Registry (QNCR), 42 children below 15 years of age in Qatar were diagnosed with cancer. Sixty-two percent of these children were males and 38 percent females, 38.1 percent Qataris and 61.9 percent non-Qataris.”
The most common cancers among children in Qatar are leukemia, which represents 42.86 percent of all childhood cancer cases in Qatar, and cancer of the brain and central nervous system, which represent 11.9 percent of the cases, he pointed out. Leukemia claims the highest number of lives among children.
Heba Nassar, head of Health Education Department at QCS, said that radiation during pregnancy and excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation are some of the risk factors for childhood cancers.
Besides, active or passive smoking by mothers during pregnancy or prior to conception and inherited genetic abnormalities can also cause childhood cancers, she added.
About the symptoms, she said that unexplained weight loss; headaches often with early morning vomiting; increased swelling or persistent pain in bones, joints, back, or legs; lump or mass especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis, or armpits; development of excessive bruising, bleeding, or rash; constant infections; whitish colour behind the pupil, instant tiredness or noticeable paleness; sudden vision changes and persistent fevers of unknown origin are some of the early signs of childhood cancers.
She urged parents to ensure regular medical check-ups of their children and to be watchful for any unusual signs or symptoms.
She explained further that mothers can reduce the risk of cancer for their children by minimising radiation exposure during pregnancy, breastfeeding for six months or longer, and ensuring timely vaccination of their children.
She also recommended healthy sleeping pattern for the children and keeping the atmosphere at home light and pleasant to improve children’s immune systems.
Doha
QATAR Cancer Society (QCS) has launched the ‘Fadetcom’ campaign, which is observed in September each year, to raise awareness of childhood cancers.
Dr Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, head of Professional Development and Scientific Research Department at QCS, said, “In 2016, according to Qatar National Cancer Registry (QNCR), 42 children below 15 years of age in Qatar were diagnosed with cancer. Sixty-two percent of these children were males and 38 percent females, 38.1 percent Qataris and 61.9 percent non-Qataris.”
The most common cancers among children in Qatar are leukemia, which represents 42.86 percent of all childhood cancer cases in Qatar, and cancer of the brain and central nervous system, which represent 11.9 percent of the cases, he pointed out. Leukemia claims the highest number of lives among children.
Heba Nassar, head of Health Education Department at QCS, said that radiation during pregnancy and excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation are some of the risk factors for childhood cancers.
Besides, active or passive smoking by mothers during pregnancy or prior to conception and inherited genetic abnormalities can also cause childhood cancers, she added.
About the symptoms, she said that unexplained weight loss; headaches often with early morning vomiting; increased swelling or persistent pain in bones, joints, back, or legs; lump or mass especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis, or armpits; development of excessive bruising, bleeding, or rash; constant infections; whitish colour behind the pupil, instant tiredness or noticeable paleness; sudden vision changes and persistent fevers of unknown origin are some of the early signs of childhood cancers.
She urged parents to ensure regular medical check-ups of their children and to be watchful for any unusual signs or symptoms.
She explained further that mothers can reduce the risk of cancer for their children by minimising radiation exposure during pregnancy, breastfeeding for six months or longer, and ensuring timely vaccination of their children.
She also recommended healthy sleeping pattern for the children and keeping the atmosphere at home light and pleasant to improve children’s immune systems.
