30 July - Health - Cancer prevention week commences on Wednesday

In today's show, we spoke to Dr Ronelle Uys - Principal Medical Officer in Paediatric Oncology and Haematology at Tygerberg Hospital. She was speaking to us about children’s cancer. It’s estimated that atleast half of all children with cancer in South Africa are never diagnosed due to a lack of knowledge regarding the disease amongst children and as a result of being diagnosed too late, when it’s already in an advanced stage, thus diminishing the possibility of successful treatment. Ironically, up to 77% of childhood cancers may be cured if detected early enough. The following are general symptoms of childhood cancers continued unexplained weight loss, headaches often with vomiting at night or early morning, increased swelling or persistent pain in bones, joints or back, lump or mass in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or arms, development of excessive bruising, bleeding or rash, constant infections, a whitish colour behind the pupil, nausea that persist or vomiting without nausea, constant tiredness or noticeable paleness, eye or vision changes that occur suddenly and persist, recurrent fevers of unknown origin. For more information go to your nearest clinic or hospital.