To detect childhood cancers early, it is crucial to be aware of the Siluan warning signs.
Approximately 400 000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer annually.
The South African Children’s Tumour Registry reports 1 000 new children and adolescents with cancer annually, but many are missed and do not receive treatment.
The Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) urged healthcare workers and communities on International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, observed in February, to be aware of these signs – as early detection and effective management of childhood cancers will result in better outcomes.
The common childhood cancers in South Africa are leukaemia, lymphoma and brain tumours, as well as eye and kidney tumours.
The Siluan’s warning signs of childhood cancer are:
- 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 and bleeding;
- A – aching bones, joints, back and easy fractures; and
- N – neurological signs, a change in walk, balance or speech, regression, continuous headaches with or without vomiting, and an enlarged head.
When becoming aware of any of these signs, contact the CHOC helpline on 080-033-3555 immediately.
