ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES KEY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCER
In light of International Childhood Cancer Day (15 February 2025), the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) is calling on government, public health agencies, philanthropic organisations and corporates to allocate more funding to educational resources in the fight against childhood cancer.
While many childhood cancers are treatable with high success rates in well-resourced countries, South Africa still lags behind despite established oncology units.
Childhood cancer symptoms often mimic that of other common communicable diseases making it difficult to diagnose. As a result, many children go undiagnosed succumbing to the disease.
Deputy Director for the SABMR, Jane Ward, says access to comprehensive childhood cancer educational resources remains a challenge in South Africa, primarily due to the lack of funding.
“Childhood cancers are predominantly caused by genetic and environmental factors, which is different to that of adult cancers. Education and awareness is essential in understanding these causes, improving treatment protocols and ultimately increasing survival rates.
Non-profit and non-government funded organisations rely on donations, fundraising and grants from corporates and the public to provide educational resources free-of-charge to patients and their families. However, there is only so much they can do without adequate funding.”
Having access to the latest educational resources not only enhances treatment options, but also help children and their families navigate their cancer journey once diagnosed. Access to accurate research-backed information can help caregivers and medical teams detect cancer earlier, which will substantially improve survival rates. Currently, most children in South Africa are diagnosed too late.
The SABMR recently launched a comprehensive three-part educational patient guide on the pre-and post-stem cell transplant journey. The guidebook, collated from various medical sources, including transplant centres and various registries, is downloadable via a QR code or can be obtained in print form from the treating physician. It aims to help patients navigate their transplant journey providing them with information on how to prepare for the stem cell transplant, admission to hospital and the post-transplant recovery journey, which can take several months.
Ward says the self-funded guidebook, which was collated in collaboration with Blood SA, was drafted following in-depth consultations with former patients and their families.
“Cancer survivors and their families play a key role in advocacy and policy development as their lived experiences can offer valuable insights that can shape patient care. Often, many families feel like they are left in the dark when their child is diagnosed with cancer. They don’t know what to expect or where to turn. Research-backed educational resources can bridge this gap by providing clear, accessible information on symptoms, treatment options and post-treatment care.”
In the last five years, the SABMR marked an increase in the number of children referred for stem cell transplants, due to blood related cancers. Of the more than 800 patients referred, 35% were children.
Ward believes financial support from government, the medical fraternity and corporates for education and awareness are key in the fight against childhood cancer.
“If caregivers and parents have access to better information, they will know what signs to look out for and can seek medical assistance in time. Survival rates in South Africa is estimated at 55–60% compared with well-resourced countries at 70-80%. We still have a long way to go, but it is possible to reduce the mortality rate if armed with the right information.”