Medical Experts
By Mpho Moloi
Early detection is crucial in curing childhood cancer, according to medical experts. Identifying the disease promptly ensures that children receive the specialised treatment necessary for recovery.
“Childhood cancer is indeed curable. However, this is contingent upon timely diagnosis and immediate treatment,” said Professor Gita Naidu, Chair of the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology Oncology (SAAPHO) and Head of Paediatric Oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
Professor Naidu highlighted the significant challenges faced by families, including emotional distress, anxiety, financial pressures from lost income, and medical costs. She also stressed the difficulties of travelling long distances for treatment, managing caregiving responsibilities among siblings, and addressing the social stigma surrounding childhood cancer.
The Department of Health, in collaboration with stakeholders such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), Childhood Cancer Foundation SA (CHOC), and SAAPHO, acknowledged the importance of teamwork and dedication in addressing these challenges and supporting those in need.
The Fight Against Childhood Cancer: Global and Local Efforts
International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is celebrated every year on 15 February, bringing together organisations, healthcare professionals, and advocates in a unified effort to improve childhood cancer outcomes.
The 2025 campaign, ‘Equal Access to Care for All Children with Cancer,’ aims to promote effective solutions and drive policy change to ensure early diagnosis, quality treatment, and unwavering support for young cancer patients and their families.
Meanwhile, this year’s theme, ‘Inspiring Action,’ highlights the need for collective efforts to eliminate disparities and ensure that all children receive the care they deserve.
This initiative, spearheaded by Childhood Cancer International (CCI), aims to emphasise the urgent need for improved access to treatment, care, and support for children and adolescents impacted by cancer worldwide.
Childhood Cancer in South Africa: The Numbers Tell a Story
The WHO estimates that more than 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer globally each year.
In South Africa, approximately 1,000 new cases are recorded annually by the South African Children’s Tumour Registry. However, the Department of Health has noted that many additional cases remain undiagnosed and untreated due to barriers to accessing healthcare.
Public awareness of childhood cancer symptoms is essential, as many children are diagnosed too late. Early detection can greatly improve survival rates, but challenges such as a lack of resources, underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure, and cultural misconceptions continue to hinder early diagnosis.
Recognising the Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer
The Department of Health has urged parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to be vigilant and recognise the warning signs of childhood cancer, which include:
• A white spot in the eye or sudden blindness
• A lump or swelling in any part of the body, especially the stomach
• Unexplained fever or significant weight loss
• Persistent bone pain or easy fractures
• Difficulty walking, changes in coordination, or severe headaches accompanied by vomiting
WHO South Africa’s Kibachio Mwangi stressed the crucial role of psychosocial support for childhood cancer patients and their families.
“Childhood cancer treatment is incomplete without palliative care, which offers essential support for pain relief, dignity, and psychosocial well-being for patients and their families,” Mwangi stated.
Mwangi indicated that WHO is working with the Department of Health and other stakeholders to streamline palliative care through specialised units and community-based platforms.
South Africa’s Commitment to Global Childhood Cancer Goals
The government has reaffirmed its support for the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), which aims to increase the global survival rate to 60% by 2030.
According to the Department of Health, this initiative prioritises access to quality treatment, ensuring that children and adolescents receive care with dignity while minimising pain and suffering.
“We firmly stand in solidarity with children, families, and caregivers impacted by childhood cancer,” said Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA.
“By championing ICCD 2025, we are committed to raising awareness, advocating for essential healthcare reforms, and ensuring that every child has equal access to life-saving treatments.”
The Reality of Childhood Cancer Treatment in South Africa
While South Africa has a well-established paediatric oncology network, survival rates remain significantly lower than in high-income countries.
According to the South African Children’s Cancer Study Group (SACCSG), the five most common childhood cancers in South Africa are:
1. Leukaemia
2. Brain tumours
3. Lymphomas
4. Neuroblastomas
5. Wilms tumours (kidney cancer)
Despite advances in treatment, South Africa still faces major challenges in providing adequate cancer care, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
According to the South African Medical Journal, overall survival rates for childhood cancer in South Africa remain low compared to international benchmarks.
Factors contributing to poor survival rates include:
• Delayed diagnosis due to lack of awareness
• Limited access to specialised paediatric oncology care
• High treatment costs and financial burdens on families
• Overburdened healthcare infrastructure
• Cultural myths and stigma surrounding childhood cancer
Addressing Barriers to Childhood Cancer Treatment
Experts emphasise that early detection and timely intervention can significantly improve survival rates. However, to achieve this, South Africa needs:
• Increased awareness campaigns to educate communities about childhood cancer symptoms.
• Strengthening of primary healthcare facilities to enable early diagnosis and referrals.
• Investment in paediatric oncology units across all provinces.
• Financial support for affected families to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
• Palliative care services to provide emotional, physical, and social support for children and their families.
Professor Naidu reiterated the importance of government and non-profit organisations working together to ensure equal access to treatment.
“We need a collaborative approach to childhood cancer care in South Africa. More training for healthcare workers, greater awareness campaigns, and better funding for cancer treatment are crucial to improving survival rates.”
The Role of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA
CHOC SA has been a key player in raising awareness, supporting families, and advocating for policy change in South Africa.
The foundation provides essential support services, including:
• Accommodation and transport assistance for families travelling long distances for treatment.
• Psychosocial counselling for children and caregivers.
• Nutritional support programmes for children undergoing treatment.
• Schooling assistance for children receiving long-term care.
CHOC has also partnered with the National Department of Health to improve early detection efforts by training healthcare professionals to identify childhood cancer symptoms sooner.
A Call to Action: The Future of Childhood Cancer Care in South Africa
Experts, advocates, and parents are calling for greater investment in childhood cancer research, policy reforms, and wider public awareness initiatives.
Dr. Sharon Cox, a paediatric oncologist at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, emphasised that survival rates can be dramatically improved with government support.
“We need more paediatric oncology specialists, enhanced treatment access, and a solid national framework to address childhood cancer care comprehensively,” she said.
As International Childhood Cancer Day 2025 approaches, South Africa has an opportunity to strengthen its commitment to improving the survival rates of children diagnosed with cancer.
The theme of ‘Inspiring Action’ calls for collaborative efforts from all sectors—government, healthcare, civil society, and the public—to ensure that no child is left behind in the fight against childhood cancer.
“Every child deserves a chance at life. By investing in early detection, quality treatment, and holistic support, we can make childhood cancer a battle that more children can survive and thrive from,” said Professor Naidu.
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