Childhood cancer, a devastating diagnosis for any family, is often shrouded in misconceptions and fears. Contrary to popular belief, childhood cancer is not a death sentence. Dr. Ernestina Shandorf, a leading pediatric oncologist at Ghana’s Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, emphasizes that these cancers are indeed curable, particularly when detected early. The challenge, however, lies in the frequent misdiagnosis of early symptoms. Parents and caregivers often mistake the subtle signs of childhood cancer for common childhood ailments, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. This delay significantly reduces the chances of successful treatment and survival. Therefore, raising awareness about the specific symptoms of childhood cancer is crucial for early detection and intervention.
Recognizing the early warning signs of childhood cancer is paramount in improving outcomes. Symptoms such as persistent fever unresponsive to conventional treatment, unexplained and persistent body pains, painless swellings in any part of the body, and unusual changes in the eyes, including a white spot in the pupil, squinting, or protrusion of the eye, should not be dismissed as minor childhood illnesses. These symptoms may indicate underlying malignancies and warrant immediate medical attention. Dr. Shandorf highlights the importance of seeking professional medical advice if any of these signs are observed, as prompt diagnosis can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival. Delaying diagnosis often leads to the progression of the disease to advanced stages, making treatment more challenging and less effective.
In Ghana, the most prevalent childhood cancers include leukemia, a cancer of the blood; lymphoma, a cancer affecting the immune system; retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye; and Wilms tumor, a kidney cancer. Importantly, Dr. Shandorf clarifies that these cancers are not caused by any actions of the child or their parents. They arise from abnormalities in the body’s normal cell division process, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of tumors. Dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding the causes of childhood cancer is crucial to reduce stigma and encourage families to seek timely medical care without fear of blame or judgment.
A concerning trend is the rising incidence of childhood cancer in Ghana. The number of annual diagnoses has surged from approximately 160 in 2014 to over 230 new cases each year, excluding the thousands of children already undergoing treatment. This increase puts an immense strain on existing healthcare resources, particularly in specialized facilities like the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Dr. Shandorf expresses concern about the limited capacity of existing facilities to cope with the growing burden of childhood cancer. The lack of adequate space and resources hinders the timely and effective delivery of care, potentially compromising treatment outcomes. Expanding facilities and resources is therefore essential to meet the increasing demand and ensure that all children have access to quality cancer care.
Addressing this urgent need, health experts, advocates, families affected by childhood cancer, and concerned members of the public joined forces in the “Walk for Hope, Step for Change” initiative. Organized by Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana and its partners, the event aimed to raise awareness about childhood cancer and mobilize funds to complete the construction of Ghana’s first dedicated 40-bed Pediatric Oncology Treatment Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. This specialized center will significantly enhance the capacity to provide comprehensive and timely care to children battling cancer, improving their chances of survival and quality of life.
Akua Sarpong, Executive Director of Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana, underscores the importance of collective support in this endeavor. She emphasizes that this initiative is about giving children with cancer a fighting chance at life. Every contribution, whether financial or through raising awareness, brings us closer to a future where no child suffers due to delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment facilities. The call to action is clear: every Ghanaian is urged to join this movement to create a brighter future for children with cancer, ensuring they have access to the best possible care and a chance to thrive. This collective effort can transform the landscape of childhood cancer care in Ghana, offering hope and healing to countless children and their families.
