[Russo-Ukrainian war. Photo Credit to Pixabay]

While the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, Ukrainian kids with cancer fight their own battle. 

Since the Russo-Ukrainian War escalated on February 24, 2022, it got harder for cancer patients to get treatment and diagnosis. 

The late diagnosis and constant delay in therapy cause them to worsen their condition.

Though many are struggling, pediatricians are trying to view this change positively.

Professionals are saying that because of the many collaborations between countries, they got more advanced research on how to treat patients and helped further develop pediatric oncology. 

Even with this new perspective, it is still tough for cancer victim families as they have to worry not only about the cancer cells spreading and worsening but also for their other family members involved in the war by being in the military.

Moreover, like everyone else, these families are living in constant fear of losing their homes, bombs, and being separated from their loved ones on top of the condition of their family members that is no doubt worsening. 

Although many are in despair, doctors try comforting them by telling them that the situation is not as dire as they think. 

The remaining professionals are doing their best by treating patients in basements of hospitals even if there is an attack in a nearby region since these treatments are helping to fight off cancer cells and keep them alive. 

While some are getting treated in basements, others have evacuated to neighboring countries to finish therapy as it is safer. 

Though some were able to evacuate, other patients were stuck in Ukraine. 

Thanks to the international partners the country gained, their approach to pediatric cancer changed, leaving hope for those remaining.

New training was provided, as well as experts helping the country strengthen the oncology field, especially pediatric oncology. 

With the partnership, many specialized treatments are also being brought in to help with the situation and the diverse type of patients in Ukraine. 

Though many countries offer support, it is better to get treated outside of Ukraine since it is safer and more options are available. 

Even before the war, wealthier countries' survival rates and Ukraine’s had a 20 percent difference, with Ukraine having a 60 percent survival rate. 

Because of the Russo-Ukrainian War, the percentage only worsened.

So, many countries are trying to narrow that gap so that there can be more surviving cancer patients in Ukraine despite the war. 

One of the ways they are assisting is that many practitioners are training abroad, which leaves the country hopeful since the most recent research can make its way into Ukraine and save many lives. 

Not only that, but Tabletochki, a charity, is providing cancer patient families with housing, medicine, and psychological care as well as equipment and training for health care providers. 

Yet, many families live in fear for their loved onesat war and family members who have cancer.

Even after surgery and recovery, they are still afraid because of the war and how they cannot get regular checkups after the procedure. 

The hope lies in improving the situation in Ukraine and Russia, especially in the medical field, to safeguard countless more lives.