28/08/2024
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28/08/2024
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Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Campaign for Cancer Awareness (CAN).
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 28: Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Campaign for Cancer Awareness (CAN), has announced that there are currently 1,372 cases of cancer among children in Kuwait, according to the Kuwait Cancer Control Center. This figure translates to approximately 160 new cases each year, making up 5.2% of all cancer cases. Of these cases, about 54.9% are male.
In a press statement, Dr. Al-Saleh noted that the average age at diagnosis is 9.1 years for Kuwaiti children and 7.9 years for non-Kuwaiti children. He highlighted that approximately 54.8% of the cases involve children under the age of 10, with about 87.3% of these conditions being well-managed.
The most prevalent type of cancer among children is leukemia, which accounts for 40% of pediatric cancer cases, followed by brain cancer. Dr. Al-Saleh emphasized the importance of regular check-ups when symptoms appear and urged the public to avoid risk factors that may lead to cancer while advocating for a healthier lifestyle. He also commended the efforts of those providing care for cancer patients.
Dr. Al-Saleh also underlined the need to raise awareness about the key signs of cancer in children, such as weight loss, fever, headaches, pain or swelling in the bones or joints, and sometimes bruises, bleeding, or rashes.
Additionally, the National Cancer Awareness Campaign (CAN) recently organized a recreational outing to Bay Zero Water Park for children recovering from cancer and their families. Dr. Al-Saleh emphasized that this event, part of CAN's ongoing mission since its inception 18 years ago, aims to support recovering children, assist with their social integration, and bring joy to their lives. He highlighted that psychological support is crucial in the treatment of cancer patients.
