CCCL’s mission is to support all children with cancer and their families through securing funds to have access to the latest treatment, regardless of the parents’ ability to pay. CCCL provides psychosocial services to help fight the disease, while striving to educate the community to create better understanding and awareness.
Are childhood cancer patients living a miserable, sad and dismal life?
Since September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about the subject:
There are patients who may have cognitive and learning disabilities, but this is not true for everyone. Most patients are high performing achievers who do very well in their education. CCCL’s patients do not skip school years and the center witnessed a 100% success rate for its kids in official exams year after year.
Cancer, also called malignancy, is an abnormal growth of cells. There are more than 100 types of cancer, and it appears in humans of all ages, but, cancers that occur in children below 18 years of age are different than those that occur in adults. Symptoms vary depending on the type. Cancer treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery.
How common is childhood cancer? And what are the most frequent types of childhood cancer?
Can patients succeed in school?
CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTER OF LEBANON
A Beacon of HOPE The Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon (CCCL) is a center of medical excellence, where KIDS have been TREATED for free since 2002. At CCCL you’ll find Zahra, a playful girl whose bright blue eyes and energetic SMILE bring JOY to everyone around her, playing with Ali, a two-year-old and CCCL’s best dancer.You’ll also see best friends Jawad and Omar laughing their HEARTS out with Sam. Each of these kids has a STORY, and with over 300 kids treated every year, CCCL inspires everyone with the KIDS’ ENERGY and SMILES.
Although cancer is rare in children, it is one of the causes of deaths among children aged 0 to 14. The types of cancers that occur most often in children are different from those seen in adults. The most common are leukemia, brain and spinal cord tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, lymphoma (including both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin), rhabdomyosarcoma, retinoblastoma and bone cancer (including osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma).
Are patients disease carriers, and do they pose health risks to others? Cancer isn’t contagious. It’s not transmitted by a virus, nor is it infectious. It’s safe to play, socialize and interact with childhood cancer patients.
Do patients need continuous follow-up and care? Continuous follow-up and care are very important for patients. They are at higher risk for secondary cancers or chronic health conditions. page 104
Is it better if children and adolescents with cancer aren’t told they have cancer? They need to be informed. Age appropriate information can be shared to help them understand their condition. This is especially crucial for teens and young adults. They need to feel empowered and able to take charge of their own health.
Are childhood cancer patients always discriminated against in society, and later, as survivors, in marriage and employment? In most countries, cancer patients are looked up to and viewed as heroes and warriors. They’re viewed as living proof that cancer can be conquered.
Are survivors inferior and have fertility problems? Can they ever have children? Some survivors may have fertility and reproductive issues, but this isn’t true for most survivors, as the type of cancer and its treatment determine if they’ll have any fertility challenges. CCCL has achieved an 80% cure rate for its patients. The average yearly cost to care for one child is US$55,000. CCCL is totally dependent on donations with an annual budget of US$15 million. With your continuous and generous support, CCCL will always be the place where kids come in sick and leave with a wide smile.
CCCL IS READY TO ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS AS PART OF THEIR MISSION. CONTACT THEM ON CCCL@CCCL.ORG.LB OR THROUGH THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS @CCCLEBANON. For more information: +961 1 35 15 15, cccl.org.lb
Photo: CCCL
What is cancer exactly and what are its causes especially in children? Is it genetic? Are there any symptoms?
There’s life and a future alongside cancer, and once the treatment is over, patients are able to return to their regular activities and reintegrate with family, friends and community.