Hope of accessing education for children who are cancer patients, has been restored amid a learning programme was unveiled this week to mark awareness month
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) in collaboration with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, iSchool Africa and Core Group unveiled what they called a sustainable initiative in the fight against childhood cancer.
The department said the unveiling of the iSchool Africa iPad Learning Programme aims to bridge the gap between healthcare and education for young patients battling cancer to transform their treatment experience and improve their quality of life.
This initiative will afford children undergoing cancer treatment at the Zakithi Nkosi Paediatric Haematology Oncology Clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) an opportunity to continue with their education without interruption.
Speaking at the launch , the department’s Acting Head of Hospital Services, Dr Steve Mankupane emphasised that no child should have to choose between their health and their education.
The CEO of CHBAH, Dr Nthabiseng Makgana thanked the partners and welcomed the initiative saying it goes a long way in making the journey of those who are affected by childhood cancer, less burdensome through the comprehensive support programmes.
Sibongile Tshabalala, a mother to a daughter aged 12 said, “this learning programme will help my daughter to continue with her schooling while undergoing her cancer treatment. The iPad has educational material that will help in empowering her learning process.”
The iSchool Africa iPad Learning Programme has been introduced in all four academic hospitals which have been supported with iPads loaded with learning material. CHBAH currently has approximately 25 learners,
Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital has 20 learners, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital has approximately 10 learners while Steve Biko Academic Hospital currently has 15 learners.
The number of learners vary depending on the patients admitted. Each school has four qualified educators who have been trained to support every child with their educational needs.
Cancer is a term that encompasses over 100 different diseases characterised by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. This can occur in various organs and tissues, including but not limited to the lungs, colon, breast, skin, bones, and nerves.
According to World Child Cancer, detecting cancer early significantly improves survival rates. More than 50% of people diagnosed with cancer live for over 5 years, and some types of cancer have survival rates as high as 90%.
They further said early diagnosis is crucial because early-stage cancer is more responsive to treatment and less likely to be fatal.
Around 80% of all child cancer cases globally occur in low and middle income countries yet fewer than a third of children are diagnosed in these countries and of those that are treated less than 20% survive.
Childhood cancer, though relatively uncommon, experts say it presents a significant and increasing challenge across the globe affecting approximately one in 408 children under the age of 15 years.
According to World Child Cancer, at least 50% of child cancers can be cured even in resource-poor environments with relatively simple and inexpensive drugs and procedures which have been known to doctors for decades.
Approximately 400 000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer annually. The South African children’s Tumour Registry reports 1000 new children and adolescents with cancer annually, but many are missed and do not receive treatment.
Earlier this year during International Cancer Awareness Day, the National Department of Health urged health care workers and communities to be aware of the SILUAN warning signs for childhood cancer. This will allow for early detection and effective management of childhood cancers which will result in better outcomes.
CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, said they emphasise the importance of recognising the early warning signs of childhood cancer. The foundation use Siluan’s Early Warning Signs to raise awareness and promote early diagnosis:
S – Seek medical help early for ongoing symptoms
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 an enlarged head
“While these symptoms can be subtle or easily attributed to other causes, it’s important to consult a doctor if they persist or worsen,” said CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation.
It further said “At CHOC, we advocate the importance of early cancer detection. If you notice any of these symptoms in a child or teen, seek professional medical help promptly. Early detection of cancer saves lives in both children and teens”.
Saturday Star
ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za