According to the CMO, cancer treatments are typically expensive and not readily available in low-income countries like Saint Lucia. While the cause of the disease is unknown, in some cases it may be treatable, even preventable she says. To that end, Belmar-George sounds the clarion call once more for parents to make their children live healthy lifestyles.
“Globally, cancer is a leading cause of death in children and adolescents. On a national level between 2019 and 2022, we’ve diagnosed nine cases of childhood cancer in-country. The most common types being diagnosed are leukemia and lymphomas,” the CMO explained. “Unlike cancer in adults, the vast majority of childhood cancers do not have a known cause. In many low-income, less-developed countries, less than 30% [of cancer cases] are cured.”
The Cancer Society of Saint Lucia reports that between 2006 and 2021, “approximately 24 cases of childhood cancers were diagnosed”. While the Society could not give a definite cause for childhood cancers, they name possible aggravating factors: “Most importantly they form because of abnormalities during the formation of the fetus while in-utero (in the womb). Many of these abnormalities are because of genetic mutations.”
The CMO, however, urges parents to keep their children in good health. This, she says, will decrease their chances of getting cancer in their lifetime. “Although very few cancers in children are caused by environmental or lifestyle factors, it is important to ensure optimal health in all children to improve their chances of survival. This includes healthy diets, regular exercise, full vaccination schedules, and ensuring a safe, no-stress environment at home, school, and in our communities.” She asks parents to monitor their children’s well-being and to be on the lookout for symptoms. “Childhood cancer is associated with a range of symptoms, like fever, severe and persistent headache, bone pains and weight loss, that can be detected by families and by trained primary healthcare providers.”
On September 22nd, 2023, students and the wider public, wear yellow and gold to raise awareness of childhood cancers.