For child cancer patients, survival is just the first step to a better later life

Children will always recall the red medicine that is delivered intravenously, i.e. anthracycline, because it makes them hot and causes mouth ulcers. — Photos: Prof Dr HANY MOHD ARIFFIN

Survival rates for paediatric, or child, cancers have risen dramatically over the decades, thanks to major advances in treatments and decades of clinical trials.

With treatment, which often includes chemotherapy, over 60-70% of young patients will survive into adulthood, with a decent chance at leading happy, productive lives.