Couple call for mandatory testing after death of son

A COUPLE fear fertility medication caused the cancer that claimed the life of their three-year-old son.

Logan Main lost his fight against aggressive childhood cancer neuroblastoma after a brave 10-month battle.

The toddler was conceived through IVF treatment and his parents believe fertility medication caused his illness.

Now parents Christopher and Angela Main (both 38) are calling for mandatory testing for other children born in the same way.

Regular tests have been carried out on the couple’s 22-month-old twins Lachlan and Elisha and have come back clear.

Yesterday Christopher said it haunted him to know Logan’s cancer could have been detected at an earlier stage.

He said: “We were not told that until the night before he died.

“The doctor who told us Logan’s cancer could’ve been picked up by a urine test organised a test for Lachlan and Elisha. “He said we should get it done regularly. “It’s really hard waiting for the results but it’s something that we just have to face.”

Christopher, of Elgin, has now vowed to campaign for regular screening of other children conceived through IVF.

He added: “I think it’s something that should be mandatory.

“I want to make parents aware that it’s possible for them to get their child checked out, for peace of mind if nothing else.”

Logan’s plight touched the hearts of thousands of people, including a host of celebrities, after he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in A ugust 2008.

He was admitted to hospital with a swollen stomach and diagnosed with stage four of the illness, which meant he was at high risk.

Scans showed a tumour had grown in his abdomen. Specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London decided to operate and remove the tumour.

Thousands also rallied round to raise cash to send him to the US for treatment that was not available on the NHS.

The toddler met X Factor star Alexandra Burke and boy band JLS as he bravely fought his illness.

Further scans later revealed the tumour had spread to his liver and chest and he was given just days to live.

He passed away in his parents arms at the Royal A berdeen Children’s Hospital on June 30, 2009.

Christopher and Angela said the birth of their twins, who were also conceived through IVF treatment, had helped pull them through but the couple are plagued with worries that their two younger children could also develop the disease.

Fewer than 100 children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer every year in the UK and more than 70% of patients die from the illness.

The tumour stems from nerve cells that run up the back of children’s abdomens and into the skull.

Previous research has suggested an increased risk of neuroblastoma if hormonal treatments are taken before pregnancy but an A merican study concluded that the results of the research were inconsistent.

Angela and Christopher set up a campaign called Logan’s Fund to help pay for his treatment in America but he died before he could benefit from the treatment.

The balance remains at £60,250 and the cash is being used to fund treatment for other children with the illness.

Three young Scottish sufferers benefited from donations through the fund last year.

Angela said the couple now want to campaign to help raise awareness of childhood cancers.

Picture: Newsline Scotland. The Main family at home, looking to the future.