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Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Leukemia No. 1 cancer in children

The Department of Health (DoH) said Saturday leukemia remains the leading pediatric cancer in the country.

Dr. Frank Diza, program manager of the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP)of the DoH said, “Of the estimated 3,500 Filipino children who get afflicted with cancer every year, almost 50 percent of the cases are specific to leukemia.”

Lymphoma, brain and spinal cancer, retinoblastoma or eye cancer, cancer of kidneys, and estrogenic sarcoma, a type of bone cancer, are the other leading types of pediatric cancer.

“The lives of Filipino children stricken with cancer can be saved with early detection and proper treatment,” Diza said.

He advised parents to teach their children the importance of eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber; avoid or limit their intake of junk foods, processed meat and canned goods, and to exercise regularly.

He also advised parents to have their children undergo a medical check up if they experience experiencing the following: prolonged and unexplained fever, paleness, pain, increased tendency to bruise, unusual mass or swelling, frequent headaches, sudden visual changes, and weight loss.

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