Look out for signs of child cancer – dept

The department of health is encouraging health care workers and communities to be aware of early signs of childhood cancer.

Identifying these signs, according to the department, can lead to early detection and the successful management of childhood cancers, resulting in better outcomes.

South Africa joined the global community in commemorating International Childhood Cancer Day yesterday to raise awareness about childhood cancers and to express support for children and adolescents living with cancer and survivors and their families.

The day is observed on 15 February annually to highlight the vital role of community support in addressing the complexities associated with childhood and adolescent cancer.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 1 000 children are diagnosed with cancer every day around the globe.

It is estimated by the SA Children’s Tumour Registry that there are 1 000 new cases of child cancer annually, but many are missed and treatment is not received.

The early signs of childhood cancers include a white spot in the eye or sudden blindness, a lump on any part of the body but mostly on the stomach, unexplained fever or weight loss, aching bones, easy fractures and headaches.

The common childhood cancers in SA are leukaemia, lymphoma, brain tumours, and eye and kidney tumours.

The department, in collaboration with the SA Association of Paediatric Haematology of Oncology, WHO and Choc Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, commended the significant contributions made by the medical community, civil society, parent groups, non-governmental organisations and individual members of society.

Choc CEO Hedley Lewis said these contributions support children and adolescents with cancer and survivors.

SA Association of Paediatric Haematology Oncology chair Prof Gita Naidu said there was a need to raise awareness among primary health care workers, communities, parents, caregivers and teachers of the early warning signs of childhood cancers.

“Early diagnosis and swift referral to treating centres is imperative to improve the outcomes of this dreaded disease.

“Childhood cancer is curable, but only if diagnosed and treated timeously,” Naidu added.

The SA Association of Paediatric Haematology of Oncology and Choc are hosting the SIOP Africa Congress in Johannesburg from 4-8 June.

The aim is to share knowledge and engage with stakeholders nationally, in Africa and globally to improve the lives of young cancer victims.

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