Every year nearly 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer globally. Cancer in children is one of the most complex health challenges that is often difficult to detect and can have deep emotional impact on families.
As part of the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, symbolised by the golden ribbon, we join hands with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to raise awareness, foster understanding, and create better support systems for affected families.
This blog will explore key aspects associated with childhood cancer, and the role insurance plays in supporting families during these challenging times.
Understanding Childhood Cancer
Unlike cancer in adults, childhood cancers, especially in young children aged 0-14 years, are biologically different and have no known causes. This makes it difficult to prevent, diagnose, and treat.
Awareness of symptoms can be crucial with early detection and lead to timely treatments. Some of the symptoms to watch out for are:
- Persistent fever,
- Severe headaches,
- Bone pain, and
- Weight loss.
According to the WHO, some of the most common types of childhood cancers are:
- Leukaemia,
- Brain tumours,
- Lymphomas, and
- Solid tumours such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumour.
Many of these cancers can be effectively treated with medication, surgery, and radiotherapy.
Global Statistics and Propensity
While advancements in treatments have significantly improved survival rates, there is still a striking disparity across regions. In high-income countries, more than 80% of children with cancer survive, while it is close to 30% in low- and middle-income countries. These differences are due to delayed diagnosis, limited access to care and a shortage of essential medicines.
To bridge this gap, the WHO and IARC are working to achieve at least 60% survival rates for children with cancer worldwide.
In the Middle East, childhood cancer is one of the growing paediatric health concerns. In the UAE, the government and the healthcare system are prioritising paediatric oncology by supporting early diagnosis and treatment services.
Initiatives such as Al Jalila Foundation’s The Child Fund, which provides medical support for children in need; Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP)’s Ana program, dedicated to childhood cancer and Basmah by DHA, offering full coverage for breast, colon, and cervical cancer screening and treatment for Dubai residents with Basic health insurance coverage, play a crucial role in advancing childhood cancer care in the UAE.
The Role of Insurance in Fighting Childhood Cancer
Health insurance is not just about financial cover, it is about ensuring no child misses the chance for timely treatment. With the right health protection in place, families can:
- Provide early medical attention, aiding with diagnosis and improved outcomes.
- Facilitate access to specialised paediatric oncology centres, where children can benefit from advanced treatments and expert care.
- Manage high costs of treatment, including hospitalisation, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Our Health Takaful solutions are designed to support families during these critical times so that they can focus on their child’s recovery, not financial stress. Learn more about the different health insurance covers offered by Salama here.
Beyond Treatment
Treatment is only part of the journey. Families also need emotional, psychological, and financial support. With the right protection and community care, parents can focus on healing and providing strength to their children.
At Salama, we stand beside families, enabling them to face challenges with confidence and shape healthier tomorrows together.
Take action this September, join us in raising awareness.
