Manifesto in support of pediatric cancer patients from the Republic of Moldova
On the 15th of February we all mark the International Childhood Cancer Day. On this day, campaigns are carried out worldwide to raise awareness of childhood cancer, express support for children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer, as well as for cancer survivors and families who take care of these children.
At present the cure rate for childhood cancer reaches almost 80% of diagnosed cases, and for some specific types of cancer the cure rate is even higher. The treatment lasts a long period of time, is intensive and complex, and the chances for satisfactory survival are obtained following exact diagnosis, through the combined effort of the multidisciplinary team of doctors and nurses. What we have just described is a reality for many states, including in our close neighborhood.
In September 2018 the World Health Organization has launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer with the aim of reducing suffering for children with cancer and reaching at least a 60% survival rate for children with cancer by 2030 worldwide. If successfully implemented, approximately one million additional children with cancer can be saved in the next decade.
We strive to raise the survival rate of pediatric cancer patients in the Republic of Moldova, too, where in 2020, every 4 days a child was admitted to the Oncological Institute being diagnosed with a form of cancer. We understand that these successes may be obtained with adequate financial support, since the best pediatric hematology and oncology services can only be offered if the essential conditions of care and treatment are fulfilled. The first and most important stage in this process is the correct diagnosis of the disease, which must be carried out as soon as possible, using high-precision equipment.
Among the forms of childhood cancers, the highest incidence is attested for blood disorders (leukemias and lymphomas). And particularly this category of pediatric cancer has the highest chances of cure, which are even higher the sooner the diagnosis is established and treatment is started. At present, the only equipment capable of establishing the exact diagnosis of leukemias is the flowcytometer - a high-precision medical device capable of identifying pathologies through a cell analysis, applying the method of flow cytometry. Unfortunately, at present the medical system in the Republic of Moldova cannot provide access to such diagnosis.
Endowing the Oncological Institute with a flowcytometer will allow the doctors to provide a correct and fastidious diagnosis for the patients suffering from leukemia and lymphomas, both in children and adults. Currently there is no other method that allows such a thorough and rapid diagnosis of cells, the error rate being extremely low - the device provides 99% confidence in the diagnosis.
Join us in offering a chance for leukemia patients!
We are a parent association; our children have been diagnosed with leukemia and we know how this disease is being treated and what the hopes for cure are; this motivates us to launch a campaign to collect the financial means necessary to purchase the flowcytometer – a medical device which is expected both by hematologists from the Oncological Institute and the patients in the medical units.
In many countries of the world, the diagnosis and treatment of oncological diseases is widely supported by society, through charitable funds, patient or parent associations, etc. We urge the society of the Republic of Moldova to show solidarity and join us to make the purchase of this equipment possible.
Provide a chance for leukemia patients to be diagnosed correctly and in due time here, in the Republic of Moldova, close to their families. We believe that in the age of technology this is possible.
Members of the Public Association "Life Without Leukemia"
Local Media reflecting the Manifesto of the Public Association „Life Without Leukemia”
Natalia Vîlcu-Bajurean: La nivel mondial, 400 de mii de copii anual se îmbolnăvesc de cancer și noi nu putem fi o excepție (europalibera.org)
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