Cancer in children, a cause of concern
At a recently held seminar on childrens heath, an alarming revelation that every year around thirteen thousand children are affected by some form of cancer, has been shared by health specialists. The number is unquestionably disconcerting because this indicates that a significant number of youngsters will have to face a grave physical illness which often can end in premature death. While the number of children suffering from communicable diseases has fallen, the rise of cancer among the young demands an immediate probe into modern-day lifestyle, which may provide an answer as to why this deadly affliction is affecting so many. It wont be wrong to state that the urban-based, fast-paced lifestyle has led to a change of diet, social habits plus other everyday pursuits. While on the positive side, the advantage is improved living, featuring all the accoutrements of comfort, the often insidious downside is that stress, mental pressure and other potentially harmful habits are entering our lives.
The development of grave illnesses among children has some link with the lifestyle of the parents. Therefore, the first analysis has to be done on modern day parents in their late twenties and early thirties. Living in a highly competitive society, driven to a large extent by hardcore material values, urban communities in Bangladesh have picked up several habits of other fast-paced societies.
Initially, these trends seem appealing with no or little thought given to possible adverse consequences. Locked in a cycle of universal urban values, we are subconsciously embracing cultures that damage silently but inexorably. The ecological devastation going on unchecked is another reason why children of today are growing up in claustrophobic atmosphere without greenery, open space and nature.
Since urban living will always evolve, its the governments duty to ensure that regular evaluation is done to detect the flaws which may be harming our psychological plus physical well-being. To look from a medical angle, if so many children are facing a degenerative condition like cancer then, pediatrics should be the main focus.
We feel that some immediate surveys are necessary to find the ratio of cancer affected children in cities and villages. Based on the collected data, more in depth probe can be carried out. Also, before a couple decides to take a child, thorough medical consultation is essential because even in cities, many educated urbanites still harbor gravely erroneous concepts about pregnancy, child health and nutrition.
Perhaps, the city wards can begin, with support from the main municipal corporation, a door-to-door child heath related campaign.
