September is the month usually associated with the beginning of Spring and the month in which South Africans celebrate their heritage.
The month however also marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shining a light on the courage of children fighting cancer, the resilience of their families, and the tireless efforts of healthcare teams who journey alongside them, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness said in a statement last week.
At Tygerberg Hospital, children are not defined by their diagnosis, the department said. Instead, they are fighters, dreamers and survivors whose stories inspire hope. With access to modern therapies provided in paediatric oncology units, many childhood cancers can now be cured, offering families the promise of brighter tomorrows, the department said.
“These days, most children with cancer can be cured by modern therapy given in a paediatric oncology unit. After treatment completion, it is important for survivors to attend a survivorship clinic to monitor their development and detect and manage any complications or so-called effects of the cancer or its treatment, explains prof. Anel van Zyl, paediatric oncologist at Tygerberg Hospital.
Four-year-old Stanton Saaiman from Delft was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in January last year. By then, the cancer had already spread to his bones and bone marrow. Despite the challenges, Stanton responded well to chemotherapy, took part in an innovative research study using targeted radioactive therapy, and bravely underwent surgery and radiotherapy, the department said.
This month, he will complete his treatment and continue his journey at the hospital’s childhood cancer survivorship clinic.
Impact on families
His mother, Alethia, explains their journey with the disease.
“When I heard the words stage-four cancer, my world collapsed. But Stanton was so strong that I decided never to cry again. His bravery gave us strength as a family. Today, we thank God, the doctors, and the community for carrying us through. In February, when we celebrated that he was cancer-free, we held hands as a family to thank God for his faithfulness,” she said.
The department said early diagnosis remains the key to saving lives.
“Parents, caregivers, and the community should be alert to persistent symptoms such as unexplained fevers, weight loss, fatigue, pallor, or lumps and swellings. If a child shows signs like vision changes, bone pain, headaches, or persistent bleeding, they must be evaluated urgently. Early detection saves lives,” said Van Zyl.
If your child shows any of the warning signs of childhood cancer, it is important to seek medical help without delay.
The public can access care in the following way:
Start by visiting your nearest clinic or family doctor for an initial check-up.
If further investigation is required, your child will be referred to a district or regional hospital.
Children suspected of having cancer are referred to a specialist paediatric oncology unit, such as the one at the Tygerberg Hospital, where diagnosis and treatment are provided.
