September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the challenges faced by children and their families affected by this devastating disease.
In South Africa, where the burden of childhood cancer remains high, we must come together as a community to raise awareness, advocate for better access to care, and support those on the frontlines of this fight.
According to the South African Medical Journal, the overall survival rates for childhood cancer in South Africa remain low compared to international data.
This is largely due to the lack of early diagnosis , limited access to specialised treatment, and overburdened healthcare infrastructure. It is estimated that half of the children with cancer in South Africa are never even diagnosed.
The five most common childhood cancers in South Africa are leukaemia, lymphoma, brain tumours, Wilms' tumours, and soft tissue sarcomas.
