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<\/p>\nBlood 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\u2019t go away on their own.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnlike 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMisconceptions 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jane says that greater awareness of the warning signs of childhood cancer can encourage earlier diagnosis and lead to improved outcomes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve 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\u2019s health, talk to your healthcare practitioner or ask for a second opinion.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Childhood cancers share general symptoms with other illnesses, however, if one or more of the following symptoms persist, medical assistance should be sought immediately:<\/p>\n
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia <\/strong><\/p>\n Symptoms:<\/p>\n Hodgkin Lymphoma <\/strong><\/p>\n Symptoms:<\/p>\n Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma <\/strong><\/p>\n Symptoms:<\/p>\n 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\u2019t go away on their own. Over the last four years, the SA Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) has seen a hike in the number […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":37274,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[10443,5424,10444,10445],"class_list":{"0":"post-37273","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-health-and-beauty","8":"tag-blood-disorders","10":"tag-sa-bone-marrow-registry","11":"tag-sabmr"},"yoast_head":"\n\n
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