فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
On the Occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day
Like the rest of the world, Morocco commemorates International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15 each year. This day is considered exceptional by the medical and nursing community, as it serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis, recognizing the early clinical symptoms of certain types of cancer, and accurately detecting them. This allows specialists to provide timely medical care, improving patients’ quality of life and increasing their chances of survival.
Statistics indicate that 1,000 cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed daily worldwide, and 70% of all children diagnosed with cancer in 2022 did not survive. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm, emphasizing the need for early detection and identifying warning signs of this disease. This underscores the crucial role of awareness campaigns targeting parents in health centers, educating them about the importance of seeking medical attention at the first appearance of symptoms, such as:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pale complexion
- Persistent fatigue and lethargy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unexplained and prolonged fever
- Continuous pain in the limbs and joints with no clear cause
- Frequent bruising
- A white glow in the eye
- Abnormal abdominal swelling
- Night sweats, fever, or headaches
Immediate medical consultation is essential upon noticing these signs.
It is worth mentioning that the Regional Directorate of Health and Social Protection in the Fes-Meknes region, like other regions in Morocco, is actively working to implement the Ministry of Health’s strategy aimed at increasing the childhood cancer survival rate to 60% by 2030. The initiative also seeks to enhance the quality of healthcare services provided to children battling cancer.
Every segment of society has a critical role to play in raising awareness about the prevalence of childhood cancer and the importance of early detection. This day serves as an opportunity to support young patients, their families, and childhood cancer survivors, reaffirming the collective responsibility to give children a healthier, full life.
Dr. Chafika Ghazoui
Head of Communication and Media Unit
Head of Child Health Programs
Regional Directorate of Health and Social Protection – Fes-Meknes Regions
source : fesnews media
