EARLY DETECTION

KNOW THE SIGNS OF THE BIG C

Nobody likes to think about childhood cancer, but all parents need to be able to spot the signs. The earlier a little patient gets treatment, the better. Bonita Suckling, founder member of the nonprofit Rainbows and Smiles Foundation, says that in South Africa around two-thirds of childhood cancers go unreported. “A delay in diagnosis could result in more advanced cancer that is harder to treat,” she says.

Be on the lookout for these 5 signs:

1 White spots in the eye, any new squint, blindness or bulging eyeball.

2 Lumps on the pelvis, abdomen, head, neck, limbs, testes or glands.

3 Prolonged fever (more than two weeks), loss of weight, pallor, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding.

4 Aching of bones, joints, back or easy fractures.

5 Neurological symptoms such as a change or deterioration in walk or balance; changes or deterioration in speech; any regression of milestones; any ongoing headaches (more than a week) with or without vomiting; or an enlarged head.

The Rainbows and Smiles Foundation brings emotional, financial and social support to children with cancer, their caregivers and the medical fraternity. It relies solely on sponsors and volunteers. If you can help with books for the foundation’s mobile libraries, craft sets, stickers, fabric paint sets, glitter pens, paints, sketch pads, scrapbook kits or wooden craft sets, crayons, clothing, nappies (size 4 and up), wet wipes or food vouchers, get in touch through the contact sheet on the website, rainbowsandsmiles.org.za.