CALL FOR EARLY CANCER TREATMENT IN CHILDREN

AT LEAST 80 percent of children can be cured of cancer if they are diagnosed early, a senior doctor has said.

Pediatrician Dr Loyce Hlatywayo said there is an increase in the rise of cancer cases in children across the county.

She made the remarks during a tour of a special cancer unit at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals which was graced by Palestinian ambassador to Zimbabwe Tamar Almassri.

The ambassador was familiarising on the situation in the children’s cancer ward and he pledged to offer support.

“This unit is the only one in Zimbabwe looking after children with cancer from all over the country.

“At an average we have at least 17 patients who are admitted in the ward and every day we see at most 15 patients that are coming in for outpatient chemotherapy, so it’s a very busy unit.

“We see a lot of different cancers, the most common being the black cancer Leukemia followed by wound tumour (kidney cancer) among other cancers.

“Our children are coming very late, there is late presentation and those that come in early our message is that 80 percent of our children can actually be cured of cancer if they present themselves early but our problem in Zimbabwe most of them are presenting very late.

“Cancer is a very expensive disease to diagnose and treat and we are grateful of KidsCan for keeping with the treatment,” she said.

Ambassador Almassri said there is need for supporting the children with cancer.

“The issue of children with cancer should be raised, get more sympathy and solidarity from everybody.

“As the embassy we will continue supporting the children and despite being my first visit here, this will not be the last.

“We have strong relations with Zimbabwe and will be part of your efforts.

“We will be beyond your expectations,” he said.

Added Almassri:

“There is need for raising awareness and I commend the team of doctors for working hard in helping the children.”

KidzCan Director Daniel Mackenzie said there is need for awareness.

“It’s about raising awareness.

“The biggest challenge we have is that most of our parents do not know that their children have cancer.

“There is need to tell everyone that children need to be treated early.”

During the tour, the ambassador donated a consignment of toys and gifts for the children in the special ward.