Healthy diet, early detection urged to help protect children from leukemia

Parents should prioritize nutritious food, adequate rest and healthy habits for their children while staying alert to possible signs of leukemia, a Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) physician said Thursday.

Dr. Arden Mae Shiu, a medical specialist at the Department of Health-run hospital, said a healthy diet can help support children's overall health and immune system.

She particularly encouraged parents to include green leafy vegetables and other iron-rich foods in their children's meals, noting that these are readily available and affordable in the Cordillera.

"Kapag nagkakasakit or puyat, pwedeng it may lead to anemia but eating green leafy vegetables and iron-rich food makakatulong i-boost ang hemoglobin level (When a person is sick or is lacking sleep, it can cause anemia but eating green leafy vegetables and iron-rich food helps boost the hemoglobin level)," Shiu said during a "Kapihan" forum.

Shiu said parents should also watch for persistent symptoms that could indicate leukemia, including fever, bone pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, recurrent infections, bleeding and unusual bruising.

Early detection is important because leukemia can be treated, she said.

Depending on the patient's condition, treatment may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a bone marrow transplant.

Shiu said chemotherapy and radiotherapy are covered under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.'s Z Benefits package.

Leukemia may have genetic and environmental risk factors, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help support children's overall health, Shiu said.

She said cancer remains a major health concern in the Philippines, with thousands of children diagnosed with cancer each year.

September is observed as Leukemia Awareness and Prevention Month.