International childhood cancer awareness month is celebrated in September each year. Gold ribbons are worn to help raise awareness worldwide.
In South Africa it is estimated that at least half of all children/adolescents with cancer are never diagnosed due to misdiagnosis or ignorance of the symptoms of childhood cancer.
Warning Signs Childhood Cancer
CANSA’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Programme is aimed at educating the public on the early warning signs and in South Africa, the St Siluan Warning Signs for Childhood Cancer are used.
St Siluan Warning Signs Childhood Cancer:
• 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, testicle or glands
• U – Unexplained fever present for over two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, pale appearance, easy bruising & bleeding
• A – Aching bones, joints, back and easy fractures
• N – Neurological signs, a change in walk, balance or speech, regression, continuous headaches with / without vomiting & enlarged head
If you have any concerns about your child showing symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Visit www.cansa.org.za for more information.