Experts advocate early diagnosis in curbing childhood cancer

Medical experts have advised parents not to entertain fear about childhood cancer, as there is hope for survival for any child with cancer once diagnosed early.

The experts, who spoke at the ‘Childhood Cancer: Prevention and Management Awareness Walk’ by Ikeja Metro Lions Club International, District 404B2 Nigeria, stated that childhood cancer is real and can be managed if detected early.

Speaking at the Ikeja Primary Healthcare Centre where the event was held, Dr. Oluwatomiloba Oluwatoyin said that while emphasis is placed on adult cancer, many refuse to believe that childhood cancer is real.

She explained that cancer occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells, disclosing that of the 300,000 people diagnosed with cancer, 90,000 children die of the disease, as recorded by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

She also pointed out that cancer could be caused by genetic and environmental factors, warning parents to take medical action against it immediately and stop linking it to spiritual issues or administering local herbs for treatment.

She said: “Not all tumours in children are cancerous; 75 to 80 per cent early detection of childhood cancer can be treated and are curable. There are available HPB vaccines for girls aged nine to 14 to prevent cervical cancer.”

She urged parents to report persisting abnormalities in children for early detection of cancer as it can be emotionally and financially draining if not detected early.

The President of the Ikeja Metro Lions Club, Lion Chike Akaeze, said that the initiative was aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer, as many parents are oblivious of the health challenge.

He said: “Children cancer is real, and it can be managed. That is why we strive for parents to seek medical care for their children.”

On her part, a service ambassador for childhood cancer and member of the Ikeja Metro Lions Club, Lion Ayoola Malaolu, urged the government and stakeholders to implement initiatives for members of the public in various local councils to educate them about childhood cancer.