September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honour and remember children and families affected by this devastating disease, and help rally support so children with cancer can have better outcomes by supporting childhood-cancer awareness.
Paarl Post (sister publication of WeskusNuus) shares with readers the work of the Little Fighters Cancer Trust (LFCT), which supports children diagnosed with cancer and their families. Even though the LFCT started in Paarl it supports families affected by childhood cancer across South Africa. “Childhood cancer is devastating to the growth and development of children, and devastating to their families and friends,” said Lizelma Olivier from LFCT. “At a time when children should be focusing on school, play, and socialising their focus is on medication, operations and what life they have left.”
Some forms of cancer are mainly or exclusively seen in children, something that is highlighted in awareness month. Children can be more resilient to cancer and its treatments than adults, and there are many cases of triumph and complete recovery, where children make a complete recovery and grow up to live a normal life. But awareness, education and support are vital, which is why Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is also vital.
Olivier explains that although childhood cancer is relatively rare, the incidence rate has been increasing. She says cancer is one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents worldwide; approximately 280 000 children aged 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer each year.
Childhood cancer is not one disease – there are more than 12 major types of paediatric cancers and over 100 subtypes. “Cancer in children and young adults is different from cancer that develops later in life, Olivier said. “Some of the unwanted side effects of cancer treatments cause more harm to children than they do to adults. This is because children’s bodies are still growing and developing, so cancer and its treatment are more likely to affect developing organs.”
The LFCT, started in 2010 to respond to families touched by childhood cancer who needed help urgently but were falling through the cracks. It prioritises providing families affected by childhood cancer with family-care packages.
Contact Olivier on 084 099 1136 or visit the LFCT’s website at www.littlefighters.org.za for more.
