On this International Childhood Cancer Day, it should be remembered that while healing is easily within reach in well-to-do countries, it is less so in lower-income territories.
The cancer does not discriminate in attacking its victims, however, an international day is reserved for children affected by this disease. On this Wednesday, February 15, 2023, it is therefore quite appropriate to recall that a few days ago, with the Association Petits Princes, more than 40,000 euros were collected by a new edition of the charity operation “Desert Bus of Hope” for make dreams come true sick children.
Childhood cancer: three times more cases saved than 30 years ago
A statistic revealed by the National Cancer Institute in 2013 indicated that compared to the situation observed 30 years earlier, three times as many children were cured of cancer. As of December 13, 2021, it was estimated that each year there are 400,000 children and adolescents 0 to 19 years old who are diagnosed with cancer.
A success rate of over 80% in high-income countries
In high-income countries, with healthcare accessible to a large segment of the population, the cure rate for childhood cancer is over 80%. A figure that drops to 30% in countries where the average income level is intermediate or low. In addition to generic drugs, surgery and radiotherapy claim to be effective healing methods.
Medicines generally accessible in only 29% of poor countries
Cancer treatments exist just regarding everywhere, but are only accessible on a large scale in 29% of low-income countries, which can be described as “poor”. Conversely, medicines are readily available in 96% of nations with high average incomes.
