Early Detection Vital in Child and Teen Cancer INTERNATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IS CELEBRATED IN SEPTEMBER EACH YEAR. GOLD RIBBONS ARE WORN TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS WORLDWIDE.
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n 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 of 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 of Childhood Cancer: • S – Seek medical help early for symptoms that are ongoing. • 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. • N – Neurological signs, a change in walk, balance or speech, regression, continuous headaches with / without vomiting and and enlarged head. If you have any concerns about your child showing symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Contact your local CANSA Care Centre, we’d love to offer you and your loved ones care & support as you fight cancer visit www.cansa.org.za. WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM HEALTHY LIFE
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