International Childhood Cancer Day is celebrated annually on 15 February around the world to express support for children with cancer, survivors and their families. Malignant diseases in childhood and adolescence are a major health issue of which, on an annual basis around the globe, get sick more than 160 000 and dies about 90000 children. Malignant diseases in children and adolescent make up about 1-4% of all cancers worldwide, and this percentage is 0-5% in Europe. The Tuzla Canton with 5-10 newly registered cases on average per year is the leading canton in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the number of children suffering from malignant diseases.
According to the Department for Hematology and Oncology- based cancer registry, there are about 10 patients every year, who are mainly newly diagnosed, but also there are patients with a relapsed cancer. The most common are leukemia, acute lymphotic leukemia, lymphoma and tumors of the central nervous system. These diagnosis account for one third of all malignant diseases in children. Other common diagnosis are solid kidney tumors, adrenal and bone tumors, soft tissue tumors and tumors of reproductive system.” said Dr. Admira Hadžiselimović, pediatrician. She also added that two patients are hospitalized at the moment the Department for Hematology and Oncology, one diagnosed with advanced tumor of the central nervous system and the other patient with a relapsed renal synovial sarcoma.
On the occasion of the day, the representatives of the Association Pipol visited the Department of Hematology and Oncology and surprised cancer patients with gifts. They also wrote a letters of appreciation to nurses and doctors from the Department for providing outstanding care and support to children in our canton.
