SHARJAH 8 September 2018: In line with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, observed throughout September, the UAE-based non-profit organisation, Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), is highlighting the early warning signs that could indicate the presence of childhood cancer.
The FoCP’s guide to recognising the symptoms will alert parents, guardians, educators and caregivers to the signs of cancer, which could lead to early diagnosis and treatment.
Covering a range of cancers, the primary symptoms and signs may involve:
- Pale skin, bruising, bleeding and general bone pain
- Lumps or swelling, especially if painless and without fever or other signs of infection
- Unexplained weight loss or fever
- Persistent coughing or shortness of breath, or sweating at night
- Changes in eyes, including white pupils, squinting, visual loss, bruising or swelling around the eyes
- Abdominal swelling
- Headaches, particularly if persistent or severe, and vomiting, especially if worsening over days
- Limb or bone pain, swelling without trauma or signs of infection
According to The Cancer Atlas, published by the American Cancer Society, the leading cancers in children worldwide are:
- Leukaemia
- Lymphoma and
- Central nervous tumours
While the number of children with cancer is much lower, compared to global incidence of adult cancers, the International Agency for Research on Cancer states that the number of lives saved is significantly higher survival rates in high-income countries reach an average of 84 per cent and are steadily improving, even in areas with fewer resources.
Regarding cancer awareness, Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi, Director-General of the FoCP, said, “Childhood cancer is traumatic to both the sufferers and their families, which is why it is essential that we educate as many people as possible to the warning signs that may show some cause for concern. It is easy to mistake many of these symptoms as something far less serious, which is why parents are advised to seek medical advice as soon as possible if any of the signs are noticeable in their child. If they are still concerned, they should seek a second opinion.
“Many of the initiatives that the FoCP hosts are concerned with the early detection of all cancers, and nowhere is this more relevant than with children who will not associate a problem with their vision or headaches or nausea with a serious condition. As ever, education and awareness are the key.”
As part of the FoCP’s mission to support children suffering from cancer, the charity’s “Joy Cart” visits hospitals and paediatric units to bring smiles to the young patients’ faces through entertainment, puppet shows, clowns, mascots and music, with its professionally trained female troupe.