Some 1,400 cases of childhood cancer are detected each year in Argentina (courtesy Garrahan Hospital)

Law No. 27,674 establishing the comprehensive protection regime for children and adolescents with cancer, known as the Pediatric Oncology Act It was regulated 10 days ago and aims to guarantee free, adequate and rapid access to health coverage, in all phases of oncological diseases.

The initiative establishes the compulsory registration of patients up to 18 years old, coming from public and private establishments, in the Argentinian Hospital Pediatrics Registry (ROHA), which is part of the National Cancer Institute. It also provides for the creation of a Coordination center which will depend on the Ministry of Health of the Nation and will work within the framework of the Hospital “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”

In Argentina, the 80% of girls, boys and adolescents with cancer are treated public health system. The Garrahan nucleates the treatment of 40% of this population with survival levels between 70 and 80%. At the country level, the survival rate is around 60%.

In addition, the regulations set the tip travel by public transport, guarantee of access to education and suitable housing or adaptation of the family home for patients in a situation of social vulnerability; as well as licenses special working hours for one of the parents or the person responsible for accompanying the patient.

With the recent regulation of the Pediatric Oncology Act, the National Referral Hospital will play a fundamental role in articulating with health centers across the country (courtesy Garrahan Hospital)
With the recent regulation of the Pediatric Oncology Act, the National Referral Hospital will play a fundamental role in articulating with health centers across the country (courtesy Garrahan Hospital)

The integral protection scheme for boys, girls and adolescents with cancer, approved unanimously in Congress in June 2022 and regulated on February 8 by the national government, has among its main objectives to establish an effective system of referral and of counter-orientation which correct and timely diagnosistreating children and adolescents with cancer and strengthening family support networks.

“The law meets two essential objectives: on the one hand, to reduce the morbidity and mortality of childhood cancers, by guaranteeing access to the best possible treatment, and on the other hand, to improve the way in which care of children, adolescents and their families is realized from labor, transport, education and housing advantages,” the doctor said. Marcelo Scopinarooncologist and executive director of National Cancer Institute.

The very complex pediatric center, which is a benchmark in the country and in Latin America, performs some 12,000 surgeries per year and treats more than 520 children with oncological diseases per year.

Within this framework and by the prescriptions of the Law of Oncopediatrics, the Garrahan formalizes its role of articulator with hospitals and health centers throughout the country that take care of oncological pathologies in children and adolescents, through the search for the best available solutions for the diagnosis, orientation and treatment of patients.

In Argentina, 80% of children and adolescents with cancer are treated in the public health system.  Garrahan nucleates the treatment of 40% of this population with survival rates between 70 and 80% (Garrahan Hospital)
In Argentina, 80% of children and adolescents with cancer are treated in the public health system. Garrahan nucleates the treatment of 40% of this population with survival rates between 70 and 80% (Garrahan Hospital)

“The implementation of the new law gives a framework of obligation and requirement at the federal level to the work that the hospital has carried out as an interconsultant, accompanying the second or third opinion, training the human talent of many centers across the country, putting and center patients and trying to maintain their quality of life throughout treatment,” said Garrahan Executive Medical Director Dr. Patricia Garcia Arrigoni.

For his part, Dr. Pedro ZubizarretaChief of Hematology and Oncology at Garrahan, noted that “Childhood cancer survival has improved over the past 20 years. The hospital has contributed to this event due to the large number of girls and boys in our care. Achieve equity and reduce mortality These are the main objectives and we will contribute to them as an institution within the framework of the work that is carried out throughout the country”.

Some 520 patients nationwide per year, representing 40% of the pediatric population with this disease.

Every February 15, International Childhood Cancer Day is commemorated to raise awareness of cancer pathologies in children and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, survivors and their families (Garrahan Hospital)
Every February 15, International Childhood Cancer Day is commemorated to raise awareness of cancer pathologies in children and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, survivors and their families (Garrahan Hospital)

It is estimated that nearly 50% patients with oncological diseases immigrants at some point in their processing to other provinces. Therefore, one of the main challenges in cancer treatment is to avoid unnecessary travel.

The referral must be timely, when needed. There are cases where it is not necessary for patients to be transferred: because it suffices to send biological samples or images. In accordance with the Pediatric Oncology Law, the objective is to facilitate the lives of families so that they can emotionally accompany the girl or boy, alleviating the problems they face,” Zubizarreta said.

For his part, Dr. García Arrigoni clarified that “the law aims to guarantee equity and access through a comprehensive approach. Oncological pathology is rare in the pediatric age and the announcement of this disease generates an unexpected hard blow for families. That is why all actions that derive from the regulation of this law must aim to ensure that children and adolescents receive the best care and treatment available,” he concluded.

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in Latin America and the Caribbean, one in 360 children and adolescents is diagnosed with cancer each year (29,000) (EFE/ Mohammad Ibrahim/File)
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in Latin America and the Caribbean, one in 360 children and adolescents is diagnosed with cancer each year (29,000) (EFE/Mohammad Ibrahim/File)

According to data from the Argentine Society of Pediatrics (SAP), in the country between 1,300 and 1,400 new cases are diagnosed each year. It is the leading cause of death by disease in children aged 5 to 15, preceded by accidents. In our country, it is estimated that at least 450 deaths per year due to cancer among children under 15 years of age.

Pediatrician María de los Ángeles Caia, from Pirovano Hospital, said “improvements in survival rates in recent years are mainly due to improved treatments and better clinical support”.

The most common types of cancer in children are leukaemias, brain tumors and solid tumours.  In general, compared to adults, they have a greater tolerance to aggressive treatments and a better capacity for recovery (Photo: Andina)
The most common types of cancer in children are leukaemias, brain tumors and solid tumours. In general, compared to adults, they have a greater tolerance to aggressive treatments and a better capacity for recovery (Photo: Andina)

The specialist mentioned some symptoms that can be taken into account to be vigilant, always without panicking and consult the doctors either in the office or in the hospital. “One should be alert to persistent fever, loss of weight and appetite, pallor, asthenia, spontaneous, persistent and unexplained bleeding or bruising. Also if when bathing the boy, for example, tumors are noticed in the abdomen, pelvis, neck and head, extremities and testicles. Or if the boys manifest bone or joint pain or suffer from spontaneous fractures. If there is a case of loss of vision, it is absolutely necessary to also consult,” he explains.

And add a few neurological signs such as behavioral changes, poor school performance, balance or gait disturbances, and seizures.

“Early detection of cancer, rapid diagnosis and correct management of the disease can improve the child’s prognosis and increase the chances of recovery. He early diagnosis it can make a difference in prognosis and long-term side effects. The role of the pediatrician in the detection of pathology is essential, ”explained Tomás Piqueras, CEO of the Hospital Services Center.

Continue reading:

“A home away from home”: the work of Casa Garrahan which accompanies more than 30,000 children with cancer and other chronic pathologies
International Childhood Cancer Day: Prompt diagnosis and treatment key to improving chances of survival
At least 300,000 children and adolescents worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year, warns PAHO
Garrahan Hospital celebrated its 35th anniversary with an act dedicated to children across the country

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