The South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) is encouraging parents to consult medical professionals regarding any symptoms or ailments that persist in children.
This clarion call was made against the backdrop of World Cancer Day on Sunday, 4 February.
Jane Ward, deputy director of the SABMR, revealed that leukaemia, followed by lymphoma, were the most common cancers affecting children worldwide.
According to the National Cancer Registry (NCR), half of the cases diagnosed in South Africa are children under four years of age.
She said of the more than 800 patients referred for stem cell transplantation since 2019, 35% were under the age of 18 years.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer has revealed that survival rates involving childhood cancers in low and middle income countries, South Africa included, were generally far lower – approximately 20% compared to high-income countries where the survival rate was 80%.
Ward said childhood cancers share general symptoms with other illnesses.
“Early diagnosis is key in treating many childhood cancers,” she confirmed.
Parents should seek medical assistance if the following symptoms persist:
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- fatigue and weakness;
- frequent infections;
- pale skin (anemia);
- easy bruising and bleeding;
- swollen lymph nodes;
- bone and joint pain;
- loss of appetite and weight loss;
- enlarged liver or spleen; and
- headaches, vomiting, or visual changes.
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)
- enlarged lymph nodes in neck, armpits or groin;
- unexplained fever;
- unexplained weight loss;
- night sweats;
- itchy skin;
- fatigue; and
- loss of appetite.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
NHL can present symptoms similar to those of HL, including enlarged lymph nodes, fever, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue and itching.
