and Daniela Cristina Stefan2
(1)
Université Mohammed VI des Sciences de la Santé Cheikh Khalifa Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco
(2)
South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
Keywords
Bone tumorsSarcomasLeukemiasSpecial needsPsychological supportDelayed diagnosisPediatric protocolsCancer in adolescent is not common. The probability of developing cancer prior to age 20 varies slightly by sex. A newborn male has 0.32 % probability of developing cancer by age 20, (i.e., a 1 in 300 chance). Similarly a newborn female has a 0.30 % probability of developing cancer by age 20, (i.e., a 1 in 333 chance).
The age-specific incidence rates of cancer showed the most common cancer below the age of 15 years to be represented by leukemia and above 15 years by lymphoma. The second most common cancer in young children is represented by brain tumors and leukemia in adolescents.
This information is specific for developed countries and does not correspond with the African reality which in most cases is not known.
Cancer in Adolescence in Africa
Most pediatric units in Africa treat children with cancer below the age of 13 years or in some cases below 15 years. Most African hospitals do not have dedicated units for the treatment of cancer in adolescence.
The profiles of cancers include different forms of leukemia (including chronic leukemia), lymphomas, bone tumors , and sarcomas .
Some of the required investigations are not always available (scintigraphy, MRI, etc.) or are expensive and unaffordable. The basic radiography compliments the blood tests and is in most cases sufficient for an accurate diagnosis.
The treatment of the adolescents with cancer is complicated by the psychological mental and physical transformations associated with age and is associated with a late diagnosis and poor outcome.
A special attention must be given to sharing news and information related to the disease and also to ensure a correct and sustained pain relief and palliation program.
Cancer in adolescents is characterized by an epidemiological profile approaching that of the adult. Its occurrence during psychological and physical transformation poses specific problems. According to the organization of care, these patients can be treated in pediatric oncology or adult’s oncology unit. Patients may then have for the same disease , but different therapeutic approach and different outcome. In some countries, dedicated units to this age group are created to adapt care and environment to this population.
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
