SURVIVAL RATE OF LEUKEMIA IN CHILDREN INCREASES

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) -- The percentage of children surviving leukemia has increased by 30 per cent over the past five years.

Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) Paediatric Department Oncology
Consultant, Associate Professor Dr Hany Mohd Ariffin said the increase was due
to the new treatment protocol.

"The latest diagnosis service and laboratory support which enables early
detection of the cancer cell is the major contributor for the increase in the
percentage," she said at the launch of Paediatric Patients Annual Gathering at
UMMC near here Saturday.

A total of 150 children with cancer from the paediatric wards were feted at
the event officiated by UMMC Director, Prof Dr Ikram Shah Ismail.

The gathering was aimed at giving moral support to the cancer patients and
their families. Some cancer survivors were also invited to share their
experiences with the patients.

"Do not give up. There is life after cancer. Take it as a beginning of that
new life. Do the treatment intensively," said Christian Balachandran, a cancer
survivor.

Meanwhile, Dr Hany said the number of new patients referred to the
Hemato-Oncology Unit was between 100-160 patients annually.