Blood disorders in children can range from very mild to life-threatening. The SA Bone Marrow Registry shares why it is so important to keep a close eye on unusual ailments that don’t go away on their own.
Over the last four years, the SA Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) has seen a hike in the number of children being referred for stem cell transplantation as a result of blood disorders and childhood cancers. Deputy Director Jane Ward, says leukaemia followed by lymphoma are the most common cancers among children worldwide, with half of the cases diagnosed in South Africa being children under four.
The diagnosis of childhood cancer can be challenging, she says, as it often mimics symptoms related to other common communicable diseases. This is why it is so important for parents to keep a close eye on any unusual ailments that persist.
“Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancer is very difficult to prevent or screen for because of causative genetic and environmental factors that are less understood, but if it is detected early, most children can be treated successfully. The tragedy is that two thirds of children with cancer never reach a specialist treatment centre in South Africa, and when they do, their cancer is often at an advanced stage.”
Jane says among the key factors driving delayed diagnosis among children is the stigma and myths linked to cancer, especially among certain local and ethnic groups.
“Misconceptions surrounding childhood cancer need to be debunked with earnest as this delays the treatment of the child who can often be saved and live a full life. In many cultures, western medicine is still not trusted or the family is of the belief that they may be shunned since the disease is not properly understood.”
Jane says that greater awareness of the warning signs of childhood cancer can encourage earlier diagnosis and lead to improved outcomes.
“We’ve seen first-hand success stories of children who are now cancer-free and go on to live healthy and fulfilling lives, because they received a timeous diagnosis and the right treatment. If you suspect something might be amiss with your child’s health, talk to your healthcare practitioner or ask for a second opinion.”
Childhood cancers share general symptoms with other illnesses, however, if one or more of the following symptoms persist, medical assistance should be sought immediately:
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Symptoms:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Frequent infections
- Pale skin (anaemia)
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bone and joint pain
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Headaches, vomiting, or visual changes (in cases where leukaemia spreads to the brain and spinal cord)
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Symptoms:
- Enlarged lymph nodes, typically in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Unexplained fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Itchy skin
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Symptoms:
- NHL can present with symptoms similar to those of HL, including enlarged lymph nodes, fever, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, and itching. However, the specific symptoms can vary depending on the type and location of the lymphoma.
