An increase in child and adolescent cancer patients

The Ministry of Health states that over nine hundred cases of childhood and adolescent cancer are reported annually in the country. However, Community Medical Specialist Dr. Suraj Perera emphasizes that complete recovery is possible if these cancers are identified early and proper treatment is provided.

Speaking at a press conference organized by the Health Promotion Bureau in Colombo the day before yesterday (12), Dr. Perera stated that the most commonly reported cancers among children are leukemia (blood cancer), lymphoma, brain tumors, bone cancer, and eye cancer.

He pointed out that childhood cancers are primarily caused by random genetic changes. Environmental factors or dietary patterns do not directly affect childhood cancers, but it was emphasized that these factors can influence adult cancers.

Although it is difficult to directly link external factors or behavioral patterns with childhood cancers, the specialist doctor further explained that unhealthy dietary patterns can be detrimental to children's overall health and can contribute to many diseases in both their childhood and adulthood.

Nearly nine hundred cases of childhood cancer are reported annually in Sri Lanka, and according to the latest reports, this number has increased to 940. Therefore, Dr. Perera emphasized that the main goal is to identify childhood cancers early and refer them for immediate treatment, as this offers the possibility of complete recovery.