“Early detection of cancer is vital; the later the stage a child is at when they arrive at an oncology unit for treatment, the worse their chances.”
This was the stark reality highlighted by Lauren Pretorius, chief executive officer of the advocacy organisation Campaigning for Cancer.
More specifically, the impact of leukaemia in children and measures to curb its prevalence was the point of discussion on Leukaemia Day on 54 September.
Screening for leukaemia is encouraged, given it is the most common cancer diagnosed in children under the age of 18.
“To ensure the recovery of all children from leukaemia if they are diagnosed, it’s important that adults across South Africa have an understanding of the cancer and its symptoms,” emphasises Pretorius.
“Parents, extended family, teachers, church youth leaders, sports coaches and any other adult in contact with children and young people should be aware of the signs that might mean a child has leukaemia.
“The sooner red flags are raised, the better the child’s chances.”
South African research that looked at paediatric oncology units in the Free State, discovered that 25% of the most commonly found cancers present in children were different types of leukaemia.
European research noted that acute lymphoblastic leukaemia accounted for 28% of all newly diagnosed cases of cancer in childhood.
Pretorius pointed out that children in South Africa remain vulnerable to leukaemia, despite there being an decline in the international death rate.
Leukaemia is the most common cancer diagnosed in children under the age of 18
