Pediatric Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance: What Every Parent Should Know

As parents, our children's health is our utmost concern. We strive to provide them with the best care and protection, yet the unpredictable can happen—and the rising incidence of pediatric cancer is a stark reminder of this fact.

This detailed guide explores pediatric cancer, its different types, symptoms, causes, treatment options, and, most importantly, why having critical illness insurance tailored for children is crucial. We will also delve into the associated treatment costs, survival rates, and how to choose the right insurance plan for your child's needs.

What is pediatric cancer?

Pediatric cancer, or childhood cancer, refers to the development of a group of cancers in children, typically under 18. These are conditions that no parent wants to contemplate, but awareness is the first step in preparing for the unexpected.

Pediatric cancers differ biologically from cancers affecting adults and often require specialised treatment and care. For context, childhood cancers may result from DNA changes very early in life.

A small number of pediatric cancers may be caused by DNA changes passed from parents to their children. Comparatively, cancers in adults are strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental risk factors.

To exacerbate issues, pediatric cancers tend to be more aggressive than adult cancers, requiring specially-trained doctors with the knowledge and experience to treat them properly. For the most part, childhood cancers typically begin in the stem cells, which are capable of producing other types of specialised cells that the body requires.

According to WHO, of the approximately 400,000 children diagnosed with cancer annually, most live in low and mid-income countries. Furthermore, only 20–30% of those children survive, in contrast to the 80% in high-income countries. So, though generally healthier and more resilient, children may still be susceptible to cancer. This is a poignant reality that parents should be aware of!

Types of childhood cancer

Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a type of cancer characterised by the rapid growth of abnormal blood cells and affects the blood and bone marrow. It is one of the most common form of pediatric cancer.

Additionally, this cancer starts in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow and typically manifests in two forms, namely acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Lymphoma

Lymphoma, another common pediatric cancer, affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system that filters harmful substances an helps fight infections. It constitutes the spleen, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels.

Lymphoma may manifest as either Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma— with both types characterised by uncontrolled growth of abnormal lymphocytes.

Brain tumour

Brain and spinal cord tumours commence in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord that comprise the central nervous system (CNS), negatively impacting the normal functions of these crucial structures.

Brain tumours in children can vary in type and location. They can be benign or malignant, and their symptoms depend on the tumour's location in the brain. For the most part, tumours in the spinal cord may lead to various neurological symptoms and are less common than brain tumours.

Diagnosing and managing a brain and spinal cord tumour typically requires a multidisciplinary approach, often involving neurosurgeons and oncologists, to provide the most appropriate care and treatment for affected individuals.

Bone Cancer

Bone cancer primarily affects a child’s bones, muscles or soft tissue. It often presents with pain and swelling.

It is sometimes referred to as sarcoma and may manifest in several forms, namely:

• Osteosarcoma that forms in the bone.

• Rhabdomyosarcoma that forms in the muscle tissues.

• Ewing sarcoma that forms in the bone or soft tissues.

• Soft tissue sarcoma that forms in muscle, blood vessels, fat, fibrous tissue, or other supporting tissues of the body

 

 

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that may occur in one’s adrenal glands or nerve tissue in the neck or chest. However, the adrenal glands on top of each kidney are a primary location of this cancer.

Neuroblastoma may sometimes spontaneously regress or mature into a benign mass, presenting itself as a malignant tumour in children. Its behaviour may vary from slow-growing and non-aggressive to aggressive and rapidly spreading.

Wilms Tumour

Wilms tumour is a kidney cancer primarily affecting children between 3 and 4 years old. It is highly treatable, but early detection is vital. Treatment typically entails surgical removal of the tumour, combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Retinoblastoma

This eye cancer affects the retina and may manifest with a white glow in the child's eye. Its early diagnosis and intervention may prevent loss of vision.

Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a relatively rare soft tissue cancer that may affect various parts of the body, including the head, neck, and urinary tract. Its symptoms may vary depending on the tumour's location but typically include swelling or pain in the affected area.

Pediatric cancer symptoms

Recognising the signs of pediatric cancer is crucial for early diagnosis and better outcomes. While the different types of cancers mention above vary in symptoms, common pediatric symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Prolonged fever

• Fatigue

• Unexplained pain.

 

 

Timely consultation with a healthcare professional is vital if your child exhibits any concerning symptoms.

Pediatric cancer causes

Understanding the potential causes of pediatric cancer can help us make informed decisions about prevention and insurance. While the reasons remain uncertain, certain genetic factors and environmental exposures may contribute to the development of childhood cancer.

Pediatric cancer treatment

Pediatric cancer treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Access to specialised medical care is essential for effective treatment and recovery.

How much does pediatric cancer treatment cost?

The cost of pediatric cancer treatment can be substantial and vary depending on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, treatment options, and location. To ensure your child receives the best care, having the necessary financial resources in place is crucial.

Insurance for pediatric cancer treatment

One such mechanism and resource is critical illness insurance. In such trying times, having appropriate critical illness insurance coverage may make all the difference.

Critical illness insurance tailored for children can provide the financial support needed for their treatment. PRUMy Child Plus by Prudential is designed to ease the financial burden during such difficult times.

Mainly, PRUMy Child Plus provides insurance coverage that provides a lump sum amount that can be used as needed in case of cancer, stroke or kidney failure. This coverage may help with daily expenses like food and transportation expenses, including journeys to treatment centres when one is critically ill. Thus, relieving the family of a significant financial burden.

On the other hand, PRUMy Child Plus delivers comprehensive prenatal and maternity coverage for both mother and child from 13 weeks of pregnancy till the child turns 100 years old.

This insurance package covers pregnancy complications, with up to RM8,000 lump sum payout— providing sufficient coverage during the crucial pregnancy and infancy periods. This facility makes it superior to conventional child plans that leave the child without any protection during the early stages of infancy.

What are the survival rates of pediatric cancer?

Pediatric cancer survival rates have improved over the years because of the advancements in medical science and early detection. It's heartening to know that many children with cancer can go on to live fulfilling lives after treatment.

However, these rates can vary depending on the type of cancer and the stage at which it is diagnosed. Early diagnosis and access to quality care are vital to improving survival rates.

• Leukaemia: The five-year survival rate for childhood leukaemia is around 90%. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the most common type, has an even higher survival rate, with more than 90% of children achieving long-term remission.

• Lymphoma: The five-year survival rate for pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma is approximately 95%. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children also has a favourable survival rate, with around 90% surviving five years or more.

• Brain tumour: Survival rates for pediatric brain tumours may vary significantly based on the type and location of the tumour. On average, the five-year survival rate is approximately 70%.

 

 

Some types, such as medulloblastoma, may have higher survival rates, while others, like diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), have lower survival rates.

• Wilms Tumour: The overall five-year survival rate for Wilms tumour, a kidney cancer primarily affecting children, is approximately 90%. When diagnosed at an early stage, the survival rate is even higher.

• Retinoblastoma: Survival rates for retinoblastoma, an eye cancer, are very high. Over 95% of children diagnosed with retinoblastoma may survive for five years or more.

• Rhabdomyosarcoma: The survival rate for rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer, can vary based on factors like the extent of the disease. On average, around 70% of children with rhabdomyosarcoma survive for five years or more.

 

 

These figures provide a general overview, but it's crucial to remember that survival rates depend on disease severity and may change over time due to medical advancements and early detection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pediatric cancer is a sobering reality that we, as parents, must be aware of. While we hope for the best, being prepared for the unexpected is a responsible and loving choice. Educating ourselves about the types, symptoms, causes, and treatments for pediatric cancer is essential.

Equally important is having the right insurance coverage to ensure that our children receive the best care when they need it the most. Insurance plan like PRUMy Child Plus can be invaluable in securing your child's future. Ultimately, as parents, we must protect our children and give them the best chance of a healthy, happy life.