Ministry of Health presents national protocol for detecting childhood cancer

During President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo's morning press conference today, Secretary of Health (Ssa), Kershenobich Stalnikowitz, presented the national protocol for detecting childhood cancer, with the goal of early detection of the disease, which is the leading cause of death in children ages 5 to 14.

In the Health Cabinet Report, the Secretary detailed that the objective of this protocol is to increase diagnostic capacity at the first level of contact and raise the survival rate from 52% to 70%.

"The National Health Care Protocol focuses on the early diagnosis of cancer in children and adolescents. The reason for this presentation is that childhood cancer is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of five and 14.

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"We have a survival rate of approximately 52%, and we want to reach a survival rate of 70%. To do this, we need to increase the diagnostic capacity of primary care physicians. We also need to focus on rural areas, promote it in the general population, and eventually establish a cancer registry so we can provide appropriate follow-up and treatment ," he explained.

What are the symptoms of childhood cancer?

At the National Palace, Kershenobich Stalnikowitz explained that Some of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer are excessive sweating, weight loss, fatigue, bleeding from the nose or gums, paleness, unexplained bruises, bone pain, bumping when walking, among others.

He emphasized that one or more signs and symptoms that last 15 days or more can be a sign of suspected cancer in children and adolescents.

In this regard, he urged that in cases of suspected childhood cancer, studies and evaluations should be performed by specialists if available in the assigned unit; otherwise, immediately refer the patient to pediatric oncology/hematology.

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