While awareness activities on leukemia continue during the Children with Leukemia Week, Near East University Hospital Department of Pediatrics Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neşe Akcan shared important information about the symptoms, treatment and risk factors of the disease.
Leukemia, which is the most common type of cancer in children, constitutes approximately one third of childhood cancer cases, especially affecting children between the ages of 2-5. The cause of leukemia, which is more common in this age group, is the uncontrolled proliferation of cells responsible for blood production in the blood and bone marrow tissue. While leukemia is categorized into two main groups, it is stated that 97 percent of childhood leukemias are acute, that is, rapidly developing types.
Near East University Hospital Department of Pediatrics Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neşe Akcan emphasized that genetic predisposition is one of the leading factors causing leukemia and that hereditary immune system disorders and hereditary syndromes increase the risk of the disease. In addition, environmental factors also have an impact on leukemia. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neşe Akcan stated that the risk of leukemia increases in children who use alcohol and smoking during pregnancy, as well as radiation, chemical exposure and previous cancer treatments.
Genetic tests play a critical role in determining the type of leukemia
Stating that leukemia is usually diagnosed with blood tests, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akcan noted that detailed genetic examinations play a critical role in determining the type of leukemia. Symptoms of the disease include fatigue, pallor, headache, fever, easy bruising and bruising of the skin, while in some cases, enlargement of the liver or spleen, decreased appetite, weight loss and swelling of the lymph nodes can also be seen. Stating that in the treatment of leukemia, first of all, infections are fought and treatment is started by improving the general condition of the patient, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akcan said that chemotherapy is the main method in the treatment of leukemia. Stating that bone marrow transplantation or radiotherapy can be added to the treatment in cases where high-dose chemotherapy is required, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neşe Akcan pointed out that survival rates in childhood cancers have increased by more than 50 percent compared to the past.
Social support is very important for leukemia patients
Emphasizing the importance of social support as well as psychiatric support for children diagnosed with leukemia and their families, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akcan said that social support organizations such as the Kemal Saraçoğlu Foundation for Children with Leukemia and Fight Against Cancer in Northern Cyprus are doing important work in this field. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akcan emphasized that awareness raising projects are also of great importance in the fight against leukemia.
İHA Haber Kodu: 20241109AW325515