AROUND 900 children are newly diagnosed with cancer in South Africa every year, but at least the same number go undiagnosed.
This is according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), who also states that greater awareness of the warning signs of childhood cancer can encourage earlier diagnosis and lead to improved outcomes.
Early warning signs are often missed, leading to late diagnosis when the disease is much more difficult to treat.
JP Kruger (20), who works as a technician at Union High School in Graaff-Reinet, is a childhood cancer survivor.
According to him, he was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma at the age of 12, after about six months of stomach pains and constipation. Despite frequent doctor’s visits, and several courses of antibiotics, the growth on his small intestine was only discovered during an appendectomy.
“In the two weeks between this and an MRI at the Red Cross Hospital, eight more growths appeared, classifying my cancer as stage four, the most dangerous,” said JP Kruger. “I was unable to finish my final Grade 6 exams, but was promoted to Grade 7 on my year marks.”
It was a difficult time for his family and his mother took three months’ unpaid leave from work to stay with him in Cape Town during his treatment.
“One of the hardest things was being away from my father for all that time,” said Kruger.
He had regular check–ups after his chemotherapy, and eventually, after five years, was declared cancer–free. Kruger said that he only found out many years later that part of the awkwardness with his peers at school stemmed from their fear that his illness was contagious.
He encouraged parents to find out more about childhood cancer, and to be alert for symptoms that don’t go away.
“If your child is ill, and the GP can’t give you answers, get a specialist’s opinion to see if there is a deeper problem,” he urged.
CANSA’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Programme is aimed at educating the public on the early warning signs, using the St Siluan Warning Signs.
The St Siluan Warning Signs for Childhood Cancer are:
S –
Seek medical help early for ongoing symptoms.
I –
White spot in the eye, new squint, sudden blindness or bulging eyeball.
L –
Lump on the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, testicle or glands.
U –
Unexplained fever present for over two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, pale appearance, easy bruising and bleeding.
A –
Aching bones, joints, back and easy fractures.
N –
Neurological signs, a change in walk, balance or speech, regression, continuous headaches with / without vomiting and enlarged head.
