At the H-oncokids Unit of El Pilar Hospital, childhood cancer care goes beyond medical treatment: it encompasses the life, emotions, and hope of each child and their family. Dr. Nidia López, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist, shares her experience, impactful stories, and essential messages for families.

“ We work with life and death every day,” says Dr. López. In pediatric oncology, each child is much more than a diagnosis: they are a name, a family, and dreams yet to be fulfilled.

It tells the story of a teenager diagnosed with leukemia who, seeing his mother distressed, calmly told her: “ Mom, stay calm, trust in God and He will work through the chemotherapy. And if He wants me to live with cancer cells in my body, I accept that too.”

He also remembers a father whose son had to lose an eye due to retinoblastoma: " Doctor, if this is the case, I accept it, because I prefer to lose a small part of him than to lose him completely." These stories, he explains, reflect the profound resilience of children with cancer, a daily lesson that motivates the medical team to continue supporting them with humanity, science, and hope.

The key role of early diagnosis

One of the most important factors for a successful recovery is early diagnosis. Detecting childhood cancer early allows for fewer complications, less invasive treatments, and higher cure rates. “ Early detection can make the difference between life and death,” the specialist emphasizes.

According to Dr. López, the most common childhood cancers are:

·       Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common pediatric cancer (40–50% of cases), is highly curable if detected early.

·       Tumors of the central nervous system.

·       Retinoblastoma (with a higher incidence in Guatemala).

·       Lymphomas.

·       Renal, hepatic, and germ cell tumors.

“ Unlike cancer in adults, childhood cancer is not preventable, but it is highly curable with specialized care ,” the doctor says.

Warning signs of childhood cancer that parents should know

            Recognizing early symptoms can save lives. Some warning signs include:

·       Frequent bruising, petechiae or bleeding (gums, nose).

·       Paleness and persistent tiredness.

·       Swollen lymph nodes that do not go away.

·       Increased abdominal size or growth of masses in any part of the body.

In tumors of the central nervous system:

·       Frequent headaches that do not improve with painkillers.

·       Persistent vomiting, especially in the morning.

·       Seizures.

In the case of retinoblastoma:

·       Absence of the red reflex in the eye.

·       Appearance of a white spot in the pupil.

If any of these signs appear, it is essential to consult a pediatric oncologist immediately.

The value of family and emotional support

A childhood cancer diagnosis impacts the entire family and transforms household dynamics. Having a strong support network allows for proper adherence to treatment, which significantly improves cure rates.

The H-oncokids Unit at El Pilar Hospital includes a psychology team that supports both the child and their family throughout the process, strengthening emotional well-being and adherence to treatment.

“ Childhood cancer is not a death sentence ,” says Dr. López. With early diagnosis, specialized treatment, and family commitment, there is real hope .

“ It’s a tough process, but it has an end. I always tell families to live one day at a time, until I can say: I am cancer-free .”

Early diagnosis and treatment by pediatric oncologists are crucial for achieving high cure rates. At Hospital El Pilar, the H-oncokids Unit offers comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based care, supporting patients every step of the way.