The Children's Radiotherapy Center at Hakim Hospital will soon be inaugurated as a milestone in the treatment of childhood cancer in Tehran. Dr. Reza Shervin-Bedoo, the Deputy for Treatment at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, announced this important initiative in a conversation with the media and emphasized the significance of timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children.
The Necessity of Establishing a Specialized Children's Radiotherapy Center
Serious illnesses such as cancer affect not only adults but also children. Dr. Shervin-Bedoo stated that in many cases, timely diagnosis and treatment can help return the child to a normal life, adding: "Radiotherapy is one of the effective treatment methods that is used alongside chemotherapy. Currently, there are very few specialized centers in the country providing these services to children."
Development of Hakim Hospital and Opening of a Comprehensive Cancer Center
The Deputy for Treatment at Tehran University of Medical Sciences also referred to the development of Hakim Hospital in southern Tehran and stated that this hospital, with the support of benefactors and Tehran University of Medical Sciences, will soon have a comprehensive cancer center for children. He explained: "The necessary equipment for this center, including an advanced radiotherapy machine, has been purchased and installed. We have utilized the expertise of specialists in hematology, oncology, and pediatric radiotherapy to establish this center."
Dr. Shervin-Bedoo also predicted that the center would be operational in the coming days, saying: "Given the positive progress of the work, we will likely witness the opening of this center by the end of October." He emphasized that the services provided at this center will gradually commence.
The Importance of Special Treatment Conditions for Children
Treating cancer in children differs significantly from treating adults. The physical and psychological conditions of children necessitate specific approaches in the treatment process. Dr. Shervin-Bedoo noted that "administering radiotherapy to children can be challenging, and in some cases, special methods are required to sedate the child."
He believes that dedicating a treatment space specifically for children allows for more appropriate services and better treatment conditions. This center will specifically assist in providing radiotherapy services and also expedite the diagnosis and treatment process for childhood cancer.
The Comprehensive Role of the Center in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
The Children's Radiotherapy Center will not be limited to providing treatment services. Dr. Shervin-Bedoo added: "With the presence of various specialties in this center, we can also engage in the diagnosis and even prevention of childhood cancer. Hakim Hospital, as a specialized center for children, has all the necessary specialties and surgical services. We have also designated a separate building for the comprehensive children's cancer center."
Ultimately, he expressed hope that the consolidation of specialized services in one center would expedite the diagnosis and treatment process, and particularly the radiotherapy department will be one of the most important parts of this complex, supported by collaboration with the university, benefactors, and the Ministry of Health.
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