Childhood Cancer Month: Know the early warning signs and how to access support

Worldwide, September is dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer and supporting families impacted by it. In the Western Cape, children affected by cancer and benign blood disorders receive treatment at a specialised hospital’s Paediatric Haematology Oncology Unit. Early detection is critical as it leads to diagnosis at an early stage and less intensive therapy. 
 
Tygerberg Hospital, in collaboration with its various partners, plays an instrumental role in advancing early diagnosis, treatment and research of childhood cancer. The hospital’s efforts focus on the holistic care of children with cancer, improving survival rates, and following survivors long term after treatment completion. In 2023, Tygerberg Hospital’s Paediatric Oncology Unit had seen more than 1 000 inpatients and 2 307 outpatients. 
Dr Anel Van Zyl, a paediatric oncologist, describes the symptoms experienced by one of her young patients. “Liam is a five-year-old boy from Bellville South who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (blood cancer) in March 2022. He presented with unremitting fever, pallor, loss of appetite and weight loss.”  

Liam’s mom, Desiree Fagan, reflects on the moment she learned her son had cancer. “Liam was taken to the private doctor twice, but the antibiotics he prescribed didn’t help him. The doctor also couldn’t tell us what was wrong with Liam. Then we took him to the dentist because his teeth and mouth were affected. They recommended we take him to Tygerberg Hospital’s paediatricians. I wanted to faint when the doctor told me that she wanted to make sure what type of cancer Liam (then two years old) had.” 

Following his diagnosis, Liam received intensive chemotherapy but did not respond adequately. To save Liam’s life, Dr Van Zyl and her team needed to intensify his treatment. “He was prepared for a stem cell transplant (previously known as a bone marrow transplant). While receiving chemotherapy, Liam suffered a serious bacterial infection due to his suppressed immune system and needed surgery and a colostomy bag. Eventually, after intensive supportive care, he fully recovered from this infection,” 
said Dr Van Zyl.
Chemotherapy then continued, and the stem cell transplant was done at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in April 2023. Liam’s sister, Payton, was his donor. Liam recovered very well after the transplant.
Liam’s mom has expressed her gratitude to all healthcare workers who saved her son’s life at TBH and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, saying that she was grateful to everyone that supported their family through this difficult journey. 
Thanks to the dedicated healthcare teams, Liam now leads a normal life and attends the paediatric oncology follow-up clinic every two months.
 
 
To help detect cancer in children early, look out for the Saint Siluan early warning signs: 

• 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, testicles or glands.
• U – Unexplained fever present for over two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, pale appearance, easy bruising and bleeding.
• A – Aching bones, joints and back, and easy fractures.
• N – Neurological signs, a change in walking, balance or speech, regression of the developmental milestones, continuous headaches with or without vomiting and an enlarged head.

 
 
How to access support, parents or caregivers should do the following:

Take their children to their nearest clinic or general practitioner if they notice any early warning signs of childhood cancer. Other diseases may also cause these symptoms.
 
If the symptoms persist despite treatment at the primary healthcare clinic, they should discuss their concerns with a healthcare worker and discuss a referral to Tygerberg Hospital or Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. 

They may also contact Tygerberg Hospital’s Paediatric Oncology Unit at 021 938 4564/4565 if they are concerned and require advice.
The Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC) refers cases to the Paediatric Oncology Unit if they identify a concerning case during an awareness roadshow in communities.