Campaign urges full support for child cancer survivors

While children and adolescents follow similar cancer treatment protocols to adults, they depend more on others to ensure they stick to their treatment plan and don’t miss follow-up consultations.

“Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring children and adolescents receive proper cancer care and treatment, starting with getting a diagnosis as early as possible,” said Anina Meiring, the Cancer Association of South Africa’s (CANSA) service manager for childhood cancer.

The annual International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15 reminds us that cancer has no age restriction.

The campaign also raises awareness of the support these children and teenagers need to help them fight the disease and improve their quality of life.

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Dr Liezl du Plessis, a paediatric oncologist at the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley, said, “Strictly following treatment schedules and attending follow-up appointments are essential for giving children the best chance at a full recovery.

“This is especially true of treating fast-growing tumours that require timely and consistent medical care.”

Meiring agreed, “Adherence to treatment schedules, including chemotherapy, radiation and follow-up appointments, is not negotiable. Research published by the South African Medical Journal in 2020 highlights that non-adherence can lead to relapse, increased morbidity and higher mortality rates in childhood cancer patients.”

Missing scheduled treatments disrupts the carefully planned protocol designed by the patient’s medical team to eradicate cancer cells and can cause drug resistance, making the disease more difficult to treat.

In addition, children who miss follow-up appointments are at a greater risk of undetected recurrence, leading to delayed interventions and diminished survival chances.

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Meiring said it is sometimes difficult for parents and caregivers to keep up with the treatment protocols.

“Financial difficulties, access to travel and accommodation, and a lack of awareness all can contribute to a lapse in treatment.”

CANSA understands these barriers to treatment only too well and has developed support structures to help parents and caregivers get the best possible treatment for their children.

“We believe that no child, teen, young adult or family should have to face cancer on their own. Parents and caregivers can access resources that make treatment adherence more manageable by collaborating with organisations like CANSA, healthcare providers and local communities.

“Our Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) programme helps young cancer patients and their loved ones cope with their cancer diagnosis and treatment,” added Meiring.

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The TLC facilities are across SA, and its services are available in various oncology wards, online and through CANSA’s Free2Bme Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) site.

Youth and young adults whose parents were diagnosed and siblings of youth and young adults who were diagnosed are also supported by TLC’s services.

TLC educates communities about the symptoms of childhood, teen and young adult cancers to enable early detection and timeous treatment.

“Childhood cancer can be overcome, but it requires a united effort from parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

“By ensuring timely and consistent treatment, we can give every child in SA a fighting chance against cancer,” added Meiring.

Thiamiso Ntwampe was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (a rare, aggressive cancer that starts in soft tissue) at six years old. Now 20, she is a shining example of hope and resilience.

She encourages others to stay committed to their treatment and follow-ups, reminding them that cancer can be overcome.

For more information on childhood and teen cancers, treatments and accessing support for those affected by cancer, including patients, survivors, family, friends and caregivers, visit CANSA’s website.