A week has passed since swimmer Rikako Ikee announced that she has been diagnosed with leukemia. The sudden revelation by Japan's competitive swimming ace has sent shock waves to many corners.
To some extent it cannot be helped, but what is important now is to calmly watch over Ikee from a distance so that she can concentrate on her treatment.
Since participating in the World Championships in 2015 when she was a junior high school student, she has achieved spectacular showings on the world stage. Her long reach and ideal swimming form are advantages. Last season, she was the world's top-ranked swimmer in the butterfly.
It is easy to imagine how disappointed she was to leave the pool only a year and a half until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. "I can't even believe it myself and am confused," Ikee tweeted.
If an ace swimmer abruptly skips key events, it could cause speculation and have negative effects on other swimmers. This is said to be a reason Ikee decided to reveal the name of her illness. The heavy burden the 18-year-old has shouldered is keenly felt.
"I want her to focus on treatment and want to see her well as soon as possible," said Yoshitaka Sakurada, minister for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, to encourage the swimmer. But at the same time, he said, "I was really disappointed because there were expectations for her as an athlete." This comment cannot avoid criticism as being inconsiderate.
Now that Sakurada has retracted the gaffe, it would be inappropriate to make a fuss about it. Let's not rock the boat any further in connection with Ikee.
Time to learn more
There are many athletes who have overcome leukemia, described as "cancer of the blood." Ikee courageously tweeted, "I will surely return." If this was detected early, the chances of a complete cure are likely higher.
The number of donors on the registry of the Japan Marrow Donor Program that supports leukemia treatment is not enough. However, since the news of Ikee's situation, the number of people who have made preliminary registrations has increased. This development apparently gives encouragement to patients who are awaiting leukocyte matching.
One way to treat leukemia is through umbilical cord blood transplantation, which is easier to prepare compared to bone marrow transplants. Large amounts of blood transfusion are also necessary for leukemia treatment. Such methods must become common knowledge. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said during a Diet session that he will tackle the situation by promoting a "donor vacation system" and other matters to increase marrow donations. The prime minister has to steadily proceed with this determination.
The National Cancer Center Japan estimates more than 20,000 people aged between 15 and 39 develop cancer annually. Among them, people aged between 15 and 19 total about 900, with leukemia the leading type of cancer.
Big lifetime events, such as advancing to higher education, landing a job and marriage, await the young generation. Though the cure rate from cancers among young people is increasing, there must be a sea of worries for young cancer patients.
Last year, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry included an enhanced consultation system for the young generation in its Third-term Basic Plan to Promote Cancer Control Programs. This must be fully realized.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 20, 2019)
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