Every year, between 800 and 1,000 children in South Africa are diagnosed with cancer. However, the true burden is likely far greater, with estimates suggesting that up to half of childhood cancer cases go undiagnosed. Tragically, two-thirds of affected children never reach a specialist treatment centre.
Despite these challenges, childhood cancer is highly treatable when detected early. In high-income countries, survival rates exceed 80%. In contrast, South Africa’s survival rate is around 50%, with much of the African continent reporting rates as low as 20%. One of the primary reasons for this disparity is delayed diagnosis and referral, leading to advanced disease at the time of treatment.
Raising awareness and education is crucial in bridging this gap. By improving early detection and ensuring timely referral to specialists, we can significantly increase survival rates and provide better outcomes for children battling cancer.
What is Cancer?
Cancer occurs when cells in the body grow uncontrollably and spread into other tissues, causing significant damage. Often, doctors use terms like neoplasm, malignant tumour, or malignancy—all of which refer to cancer.
The most common childhood cancers include:
- Haematological cancers (blood cancers), such as leukaemia and lymphomas.
- Solid organ tumours, which develop in the brain, eye, bones, and kidneys.
Fortunately, medical advancements are improving childhood cancer treatments, making survival more likely—but only if the disease is diagnosed early. Therefore, recognising the warning signs and seeking medical attention without delay is critical.
Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer
To aid early detection, the team at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto developed the St Siluan mnemonic, a guide that highlights key symptoms. This system has since been adopted by both the South African Children’s Cancer Study Group and the International Society of Paediatric Oncology.
The St Siluan’s Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer:
🩺 S – Seek medical help early for persistent or unexplained symptoms.
👁 I – Eye changes: A white spot in the eye, sudden blindness, a new squint, or a bulging eyeball.
🦠 L – Lump detection: Unusual lumps in the abdomen, pelvis, head, neck, limbs, testes, or glands.
🌡 U – Unexplained symptoms: Prolonged fever lasting over two weeks, persistent weight loss, pallor, fatigue, easy bruising, or bleeding.
🦴 A – Aches and pains: Persistent pain in the bones, joints, or back, or frequent unexplained fractures.
🧠 N – Neurological changes: Issues with walking, balance, or speech, developmental regression, persistent headaches (with or without vomiting), or an enlarging head.
Recognising the Signs Early
Spotting these symptoms can be challenging, particularly because children are naturally active and prone to minor injuries. Parents often assume aches, bruises, and fatigue are part of normal growth or play. However, when symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to seek medical advice.
If any of these warning signs appear, consulting a paediatrician is the safest course of action. Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates, making immediate medical attention crucial.
Taking Action to Improve Survival Rates
Childhood cancer survival is closely linked to early detection and access to treatment. Currently, many South African children face delays in diagnosis, often due to a lack of awareness or late referrals to specialist centres.
By raising awareness, educating parents and healthcare providers, and ensuring faster referrals, we can improve survival rates. Every child deserves the best chance at life, and timely intervention plays a key role in achieving that.
If you’re concerned about any symptoms in your child, don’t wait—schedule a medical check-up immediately. The sooner cancer is detected, the greater the chances of survival.
Final Thoughts
Cancer in children is a serious but treatable condition. While South Africa’s survival rates remain lower than in high-income countries, early detection and access to treatment can change that. Parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers must work together to spot the signs early and act swiftly.
If you suspect something unusual in your child’s health, trust your instincts and seek medical advice—early intervention can save lives.
References:
1️⃣ World Health Organization (WHO): Childhood Cancer. www.who.int – Accessed 01/09/2024.
2️⃣ Mullen et al. Timeliness of Diagnosis and Treatment: The Challenge of Childhood Cancers. British Journal of Cancer, 2021 Dec;123(12):1612-1620. DOI:10.1038/s41416-021-01533-4.
3️⃣ Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA): Childhood Cancer Warning Signs. www.cansa.org.za – Accessed 01/09/2024.
4️⃣ Poyiadjis et al. The Saint Siluan Warning Signs of Cancer in Children: Impact of Education in Rural South Africa. Pediatric Blood Cancer, 2011 Feb;56(2):314-6. DOI:10.1002/pbc.22853.
