The Department of Health (DoH), working with the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (SAAPHO), National Cancer Registry (NCR) and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, urges members of the public to show support for children living with cancer and also survivors.
The country joined the global community in September to raise awareness about the impact of childhood cancers, including leukaemia, brain cancers and lymphomas in families and communities, and also to acknowledge the critical role played by health professionals in supporting children with cancer and their families.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents worldwide.
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An estimated 400 000 new childhood cancer cases are diagnosed each year, with around 1 000 of these occurring in South Africa, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Leukaemia is the most common cancer diagnosed in children in South Africa, according to the NCR.
Gold September is an internationally recognised month dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer.
The iconic gold ribbon symbolises the incredible strength, courage and resilience of children and teenagers impacted by this disease.
The primary objective of Gold September, as well as ongoing efforts, is to increase public awareness, provide research support, and advocate for improved treatment and care for children and teenagers battling cancer.
It is essential to unite to amplify early detection, treatment, and support for affected families in alignment with the WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC).
The GICC aims to elevate the global overall survival rate to 60% by 2030 and to ensure that children and adolescents can lead a life free from pain and suffering, even in the face of such a challenging illness.
Children and teenagers with cancer and their families are confronted with a myriad of obstacles that extend far beyond the complexities of treatment.
Economic hardships, lack of community support, and sometimes distance from hospitals exacerbate these challenges.
The emotional, physical, social, and educational burdens imposed by the disease make the treatment journey incredibly daunting.
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We, as a nation, must address the all-encompassing needs of these patients and their families to offer comprehensive support.
One of the significant challenges facing the medical community and those who support their heroic efforts to treat patients is the delayed presentation of children at primary healthcare centres and paediatric oncology units in tertiary hospitals nationwide.
To improve early diagnosis, South Africans are urged to recognise that children do get cancer.
It is essential to be aware of the Siluan Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer and to act promptly if any of these signs are apparent in a child.
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The DoH has extended its appreciation to the dedicated members of the medical community, and the outstanding efforts of civil society, non-governmental organisations, and the compassionate South African public.
The NCR is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date statistics on childhood cancers to help guide decision-makers and policies to make a meaningful impact on children and families affected by childhood cancers.
Hedley Lewis, the CEO of CHOC, a non-profit organisation caring for children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders, says that their organisation continues to advocate for sustained efforts within the childhood cancer community to foster hope by raising awareness about the early warning signs of the disease.
“Additionally, it is important to empower the public with information to promptly report any instances where they suspect a patient may be exhibiting symptoms indicative of childhood cancer”, he said.
Meanwhile, Prof Gita Naidu, chairperson of SAAPHO and head of paediatric oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital urges the society to continue with their unwavering support for the children and families afflicted by cancer.
“The diagnosis of a child with cancer tears apart families; siblings experience untold anguish; families are thrown into the depths of financial hardships with many unexpected out-of-pocket expenses; and families may experience a breakdown in relationships”, she said.
