Bahrain: The number of children diagnosed with cancer is on the increase in Bahrain, it was revealed yesterday.
The most common cancers among them are leukaemia and brain tumour, many of which are detected at an advanced stage, said a Health Ministry official.
“Unfortunately, the number of young cancer patients is increasing every year,” said counsellor Amina Al Markhi, who has been dealing with cancer patients at Salmaniya Medical Complex for more than 16 years.
“On average, we have at least four children registered in the hospital’s system on a monthly basis,” she told the GDN.
“The reason for this rise is unknown but it is definitely linked to the changing lifestyle in terms of the food we eat, the stress we are under and pollution in the air.”
Ms Al Markhi urged parents to closely observe their children and watch out for any potential symptoms of the disease.
“One of the symptoms is fever, which most of the time is a sign that something is wrong, specially those lasting for 10 days or more,” she said.
“Sudden loss in weight is also another symptom, as is excessive bruising.
“Parents must be careful and monitor their children.
“It might be difficult to notice any changes in new-borns or those aged under a year but symptoms can be easily seen in older children.
“It is sad how many cases – of children fighting cancer – have been detected at an advanced stage.”
Regular medical check-ups and following a healthy lifestyle may lower the risk of getting cancer, she added.
“Parents must take their children to the doctor for regular check-ups,” said Ms Al Markhi.
“Fast food must not be an option on the table and exercising should be part of their daily life.”
Ms Al Markhi was speaking to the GDN on the sidelines of an event held by Dar Al Hayat Medical Centre, Budaiya, to mark World Cancer Day.
It was held under the patronage of Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh and featured various entertainment programmes and a bazaar.
During the event, three young cancer patients were randomly chosen to have their wishes granted.
Ali Hassan, aged 12, received an iPhone6s while Sayed Abbas Ali, also aged 12, won a PlayStation4 and 11-year-old Shams Hafedh received tickets for a trip to Dubai presented by Dadabhai Travel.
Ali Hassan spoke of how he wants to become a famous oncologist so he can cure all the cancer patients in the world.
“During the darkest days, when he used to return from chemotherapy, he would tell me how he hopes to become an oncologist and cure all the patients in the world who suffer like him,” said his mother Amal Omran Ali.
“He has been suffering from head and neck cancer since the age of four but he is now recovering.
“Our lives were turned upside down when we learned about his disease.
“It wasn’t easy seeing my child in pain knowing that he could lose his life any time.
“He had to skip school for two years because he was tired most of the time and his immunity system had become weak.
“He also had difficulty being around people specially when he lost his hair.
“However, despite all the rough times I discovered that it made us all
stronger.”
Ms Al Saleh was honoured during the event, as well as sponsors.
Around 10 children attending the event with their families received gifts and enjoyed a variety of programmes. Free medical check-ups were also held.
shahlaa@gdn.com.bh