Next month is International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and CHOC is asking South Africans to learn the SILUAN early warnings signs of childhood cancer, listen to the stories behind every diagnosis, and take action to support children and teenagers on their cancer journey.
Under the slogan Have a Heart, the organization is hoping to turn awareness into action across the nation.
Every year, an estimated 400 000 children and teenagers are diagnosed with cancer worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 80% of children with cancer are cured in high-income countries, while fewer than 30% are cured in many low- and middle-income countries.
This difference is linked to several challenges including delays or missed diagnoses, difficulty accessing treatment, interruptions to care and unequal access to essential medicines and technologies. In South Africa, approximately 1 000 children and teenagers are diagnosed with cancer each year. However, too many are still diagnosed late or may never reach a paediatric oncology unit.
Improving awareness and strengthening referral pathways are essential to ensuring that more children access the treatment and support they need as early as possible.
“Having a heart means paying attention, speaking up and acting early,” says Eugene Subban, chairman of CHOC. “It means recognising persistent symptoms, supporting families through treatment, and helping ensure that no child, teenager or family has to navigate the cancer journey alone.”
CHOC encourages parents, caregivers, educators, healthcare workers, and communities to know the SILUAN’s Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer:
- S – Seek medical help early for ongoing symptoms.
- I – Eye changes, including a white spot in the eye, a new squint, sudden blindness, or a bulging eyeball.
- L – A lump on the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, testicle, or glands.
- U – Unexplained fever lasting more than two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, a pale appearance, easy bruising, or bleeding.
- A – Aching bones, joints or back, or easy fractures.
- N – Neurological signs including changes in walking, balance or speech, regression, persistent headaches with or without vomiting, or an enlarged head.
These symptoms do not always mean cancer. However, symptoms that are unexplained, persistent, or worsening should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
For guidance, contact the CHOC helpline on 0800 333 555 or visit www.choc.org.za.
Have a Heart: five ways to take action
Throughout September, CHOC invites individuals, schools, businesses, healthcare professionals and communities to:
Learn the Signs: know the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer and share them with others.
Listen to Their Stories: make space for the voices and experiences of children, teenagers, survivors and families.
Wear Gold: wear the Gold Ribbon to help childhood cancer become visible in homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
Share Hope: use reliable information to start conversations and guide families towards help.
Support Families: donate, partner, volunteer or help fund the practical support that makes treatment journeys more manageable.