Know the signs of childhood cancer

The South African Children’s Tumour Registry reports that childhood cancer is relatively rare, representing about 1% of cancers in the total population. In South Africa, one in 600 children are affected by cancer before the age of 16. The encouraging news is that if diagnosed early, 70-85% of children can be cured.

“Childhood cancer is generally curable and progress towards curing it has been made in developed countries where the overall survival rate for some common malignant tumours is about 80%. Early detection can save lives. And knowing the early warning signs can save your child’s life,” says founder of Cupcakes of Hope, Sandy Cipriano.

Although different cancers have different symptoms, many of them can be decribed using a simple acryonym – CHILDCANCER:

Continued, unexplained weight loss.

Headaches, often with early morning vomiting.

Increased swelling or persistent pain in the bones, joints, back or legs.

Lump or mass especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or armpits.

Development of excessive bruising, bleeding or rash.

Constant infections.

A whitish colour behind the pupil.

Nausea that persists or vomiting without nausea.

Constant tiredness or noticeable paleness.

Eye or vision changes that occur suddenly and persist.

Recurring or persistent fevers of unknown origin.

Cupcakes of Hope is a non-profit company that aims to raise awareness of the early warning signs of childhood cancer, as well as to raise funds to support children and their families, who have been diagnosed with a childhood cancer.

Cancer, especially childhood cancer, is not a conversation that many parents want to have but if we all become aware of the early detection signs we could save our families’ and friends’ lives.

For more information on how to support National Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer, please visit their webpage at www.cupcakesofhope.org