As the world gears up to mark World Cancer Day on February 4, experts are urging families to prioritise preventative healthcare and remain alert to early warning signs of childhood cancers.
Observed annually, the day serves as a global reminder of the fragility of health and the importance of early detection and treatment.
Health experts warn that although childhood cancers are relatively rare, their impact can be devastating if not diagnosed and treated early. They emphasise that preventative healthcare is not only an individual responsibility but a family safeguard that requires awareness, vigilance and timely medical intervention.
“These signs are not meant to create panic but to encourage parents to seek professional medical advice quickly,” said Lance Blumeris, Head of Unu Health. “Understanding your child’s normal health patterns and acting early can save lives.”
Blumeris also explained that monitoring a child’s baseline health helps caregivers recognise when something is wrong and ensures medical attention is sought promptly.
It is explained that advancements in digital healthcare are also playing a growing role in improving access to medical services. Telemedicine platforms now allow families to consult doctors remotely, use AI-powered symptom checkers and access telephonic counselling, reducing delays in receiving medical advice.
“Prevention starts with knowledge,” Blumeris said. “When families can access healthcare guidance at the right time, they can intervene before minor health concerns develop into serious illnesses. This is particularly important with childhood cancers, where early detection often determines whether treatment is successful or complications develop later in life.”
It is revealed South Africa, access to quality healthcare remains uneven, with many families facing challenges such as high medical costs, long waiting times and limited healthcare infrastructure. Experts caution that these barriers can delay diagnosis, placing children at greater risk of severe illness and complications.
According to global cancer statistics, childhood cancers account for approximately 1% of all cancer diagnoses worldwide. Despite their rarity, they remain one of the leading causes of disease-related deaths among children. Healthcare professionals stress that early detection significantly improves survival rates and treatment success.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to remain attentive to potential warning signs that may indicate serious health concerns. These include unexplained bruising or bleeding, persistent fatigue, unusually pale skin, rapid and unexplained weight loss, ongoing bone or joint pain, swelling or lumps on the body, and frequent headaches or vision changes.
Saturday Star