Each year, more than 1 400 South African children are diagnosed with blood cancer, which accounts for 33% of all childhood cancers in the country. Although it is treatable and potentially curable with a stem cell transplant from a matching donor, lack of awareness about its symptoms and delayed diagnosis remain key challenges. Tragically, more than 500 children lose their battle with this disease annually as a result.
Speaking in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Palesa Mokomele, head of community engagement and communications at DKMS Africa, says that in the majority of cases, childhood blood cancer is only detected in the advanced stages of the disease. This is because the symptoms can easily be mistaken for everyday ailments.
She explains that common blood cancer symptoms – including coughing, chest pain, frequent infections, fever or chills – can easily be confused for a severe cold or flu. “Unfortunately, these symptoms may indicate that the body has insufficient white blood cells to fight off infection. As a parent, it can be hard to know when to be concerned. If these symptoms last more than a few weeks without improvement, take your child to a doctor.”
“Another symptom is easy bruising, which can often be dismissed as kids playing rough or a sports injury,” adds Mokomele. “However, there are ways that parents can distinguish between regular bruises and those caused by blood cancers. Bruises caused by the latter often appear in unusual places like the face, buttocks, ears, chest and head. Additionally, there tends to be a lot of them, and they take longer than usual to fade.”
She notes that shortness of breath can also easily be mistaken for allergies or asthma, but if it occurs suddenly without physical exertion or during activities that are usually easy, parents should seek medical attention for their children, especially if this lasts for over a month or worsens.
Mokomele encourages parents to look out for these and other warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, pale skin and bone or joint pain.
“While symptoms can present differently in each child, it’s important to monitor for any changes and see a doctor if concerns arise.”
One example of these warning signs is the story of 13-year-old Siphesihle, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) earlier this year. His mother, Slindile Mkhize, first noticed that her son developed a persistent flu, which was soon followed by excessive vomiting. Shortly after a check-up at their local clinic, Siphesihle’s condition seemingly worsened.
When he experienced increasingly sore and sensitive limbs, rendering him unable to sit or concentrate in school, his mom had to take him out of his Grade 7 class. After Siphesihle’s blood pressure was found to be unusually low, he was referred to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital, where he received his diagnosis.
Sharing advice on what has helped her cope, Mkhize says that some days will be easier than others. “It is important to allow yourself to feel whatever you’re feeling and try to stay positive. Prayer has helped me a lot with this.”
Mokomele adds that should your child be diagnosed with blood cancer, it is crucial to remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for them. “As the saying goes, ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’.”
She emphasises that parents do not have to face this alone. “Other parents who have experienced this can offer valuable support and guidance. You could also reach out to friends and family to help with things like babysitting, cooking and grocery shopping or to even come with you to appointments. Additionally, you might want to consider joining a support group, speaking to a religious leader or to a mental health professional.”
With treatment-related expenses being a leading contributor to parents’ stress and anxiety, she highlights that organisations like DKMS Africa can provide financial relief by covering transplant costs for patients in state health facilities and offering free tests to identify donor matches.
Mokomele urges South Africans to support the parents of blood cancer patients by making a donation to the Patient Support Fund. “Together, we can bring hope to their lives. Let’s help them in their fight.”
Visit https://www.dkms-africa.org/get-involved/donate-money to make a contribution.
For more information, contact DKMS Africa on 0800 12 10 82.