About the Author:
Naveed Navroz Ali is a dedicated nursing professional whose clinical journey has been shaped by compassion and professionalism. With over two years of experience in oncology, he is currently working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) at Aga Khan University Hospital. He aspires to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of nursing practice, particularly in the fields of critical care and oncology.
The threat of climate change is no
longer a distant concern; its effects extend beyond melting glacier and rising
temperatures. Its repercussions are becoming increasingly severe for the
world's most vulnerable people, particularly pediatric cancer patients. According
to WHO cancer is the second leading cause of death among non-communicable
disease (World Health Organization: WHO, 2024b). Whenever we think of childhood
cancer, what usually comes to mind is the diagnosis, treatment and survival of patients.
However, as research progresses and the world changes, new information helps us
see things differently and think more broadly.
The purpose of this blog is to
examine the relationship between pediatric cancer and sustainable development
goal 13 the climate action and the importance of relationship of healthier
life.
Advancement in medical technology
has increased the survival rate of pediatric cancer to 80% in high-income
countries. On contrary, due to limited resources in low middle income countries
the survival rate is just 30% (Erdmann et al., 2021). However, climate change presents
an additional, often hidden challenge for pediatric cancer patients, one that
is less visible but highly significant.
An increasing body of research
reveals a strong link between pollution in the environment and childhood
cancer. Industrialization, particularly in urban settings, has increased exposure
to pollution, elevating the risk of developing cancer. Carcinogens exist in the
air, food, and water, posing a significant risk to pediatric cancer patients
who are already immunocompromised. Long-term exposure to a polluted atmosphere
has been associated with a variety of illnesses. Virus Particulate matter PM2.5
(potential SARS-CoV-2 carrier) found in polluted air is the leading cause of
leukemia and brain tumor in children (Ou
et al., 2020).
Cancer treatment includes
radiation, chemotherapy and in certain cases, surgery. However, climate
change-related natural disasters such as heatwaves, floods, and storms can
disrupt healthcare systems and disrupt power supply, resulting in considerable
treatment delays. Furthermore, chemotherapy medications require a stable cold
chain to function well, and climate related changes threaten this crucial part
of care.
In conclusion, incorporating
climate initiatives into pediatric oncology patients is essential, particularly
in those areas where children face both health as well as environmental
challenges. Climate resilience through education, effective waste management,
and sustainable infrastructure can help to protect these vulnerable
populations. Childhood cancer and climate change can no longer be considered separate
issues. Together, we must act now to save the planet and the lives of its
vulnerable population.
References
World Health Organization: WHO.
(2024b, December 23). Noncommunicable diseases.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases#:~:text=Cardiovascular%20diseases%20account%20for%20most,disease%20deaths%20caused%20by%20diabetes).
Ou,
J. Y., Hanson, H. A., Ramsay, J. M., Kaddas, H. K., Pope, C. A., Leiser, C. L.,
. . . Kirchhoff, A. C. (2020). Fine particulate matter air pollution and
mortality among pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and
Prevention, 29(10), 1929-1939. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-19-1363
Erdmann, F., Frederiksen, L. E., Bonaventure,
A., Mader, L., Hasle, H., Robison, L. L., & Winther, J. F. (2021).
Childhood cancer: Survival, treatment modalities, late effects and improvements
over time. Cancer Epidemiology, 71, 101733. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canep.2020.101733
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