CAPE TOWN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) — South Africa on Tuesday called for collective support for children and teenagers living with cancer.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the Department of Health, in collaboration with the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, the National Cancer Registry (NCR), CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, and the World Health Organization (WHO), urged “South Africans to come together in support of children, adolescents, and their families impacted by childhood cancer during September’s International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.”
Childhood cancer is a major health concern worldwide, with the WHO reporting around 400,000 new cases each year. In South Africa, about 1,000 children are diagnosed annually, with leukaemia being the most common type, according to the NCR.
“Raising awareness and promoting early detection are critical in improving survival rates and ensuring better treatment outcomes,” said the health department. “Too many children and teenagers are either not diagnosed or are diagnosed too late.”
The department urges all citizens to seek medical attention if any signs are observed.
WHO Country Representative to South Africa Shenaaz El-Halabi said “far too many children are diagnosed too late, and far too many families walk this journey without enough support,” adding that the agency will stand alongside the Department of Health and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa to change the story of childhood cancer from one of despair to one of survival, resilience and hope.
