Department and stakeholders call for collective support for children and teenagers living with cancer.

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

To: Editors & Health Journalists

Issued by: Department of Health

Date: 05 September 2025

Department and stakeholders call for collective support for children and teenagers living with cancer.

Pretoria: The Department of Health, in collaboration with the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (SAAPHO), the National Cancer Registry (NCR), CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC), and the World Health Organization (WHO), invites South Africans to come together in support of children, adolescents, and their families affected by childhood cancer during September’s International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Childhood cancer, while often seen as rare, is a major health issue and one of the top causes of disease-related deaths among children worldwide. The WHO reports approximately 400,000 new cases annually, with around 1,000 of these cases occurring in South Africa. Locally, leukaemia is the most frequently diagnosed childhood cancer, according to the National Cancer Registry.

September, globally recognised as Gold September, is focused on raising awareness of childhood cancer. The gold ribbon has become an international symbol of strength, resilience, and hope. Behind each ribbon lies a personal story, whether of a child, a teenager, a family, a survivor, or a health worker. As this year’s campaign reminds us: Every Ribbon Holds a Name. Every Name Holds a Story. The Department and its partners ask, “Who are you wearing your ribbon for this September?”

Raising awareness and promoting early detection are critical in improving survival rates and ensuring better treatment outcomes. Too many children and teenagers are either not diagnosed or are diagnosed too late. The Department urges all citizens to become familiar with the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer, and to seek medical attention if any signs are observed. Timely referral to specialised care can save lives.

As part of its ongoing commitment, South Africa supports the WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), which aims to raise survival rates by 2030. Encouragingly, the national survival rate in South Africa has improved to approximately 60%, but it still lags behind countries where rates exceed 80%.

Families affected by childhood cancer face immense psychological, emotional, financial, and logistical challenges. Many experience strain due to travel distances to treatment centres, lack of nearby accommodation, out-of-pocket expenses, and disruptions to family life. The burden is shared not only by patients, but also by parents, siblings, and caregivers. As reflected in the global campaign #WeAllLiveIt, when a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family embarks on the journey together.

The Department of Health, NCR, CHOC, SAAPHO, and WHO commend the dedication of healthcare professionals, support organisations, and members of the public who offer vital care and compassion to children with cancer. The NCR remains committed to ensuring

accurate data collection and analysis to inform decision-making and improve outcomes.

According to Mr Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC: “Every ribbon is a reminder that no child or teenager should face cancer alone. At CHOC, we believe in the power of collaboration, and along with the global campaign, CHOC is Inspired to Act. When communities, healthcare professionals, and organisations come together, we can change outcomes.”

Professor Gita Naidu, Chair of SAAPHO and Head of Paediatric Oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, reiterated this point: “Families are torn apart by a diagnosis of childhood cancer. The emotional toll, financial hardship, and psychological strain can be overwhelming. We urge all sectors of society to rally behind these families with ongoing support.”

The WHO country representative for South Africa, Ms Shenaaz El-Halabi, reckons that “behind every childhood cancer diagnosis is a child with dreams, a family filled with hope, and a community that can make a difference. Far too many children are diagnosed too late, and far too many families walk this journey without enough support. That is why WHO is proud to stand alongside the Department of Health and CHOC – because when we act together, we can change the story of childhood cancer from one of despair to one of survival, resilience, and hope”

In honour of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, all sectors; public, private, community, and individuals, are encouraged to wear the gold ribbon and help raise awareness. Let us remember the names, share the stories, and commit to ensuring that no child faces cancer alone.

For more information and media enquiries, please contact:

Mr Foster Mohale
Department of Health Spokesperson
072 432 3792
Foster.mohale@health.gov.za

Mr Hedley Lewis
CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa
082 944 7655
Hedley.lewis@choc.org.za

Every Ribbon Holds a Name. Every Name Holds a Story.

Who Are You Wearing your ribbon For This September?

Each September, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA joins the global community in honouring International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to remember, reflect, and rally in support of children and teenagers who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families and support networks.

The Gold Ribbon, a symbol of hope and strength, is more than just a pin. Every ribbon holds a name. Every name holds a story. Behind each ribbon is a child, teenager, a parent, a family, a survivor, or someone who has cared for them. We ask: Who are you wearing it for?

Childhood Cancer in South Africa is a reality and remains one of the leading causes of disease-related deaths in children worldwide. In South Africa, although rare, it is the second most common cause of death in children aged 5 to 14, following accidents. Encouragingly, the national survival rate has improved to around 60%, yet it still lags behind developed countries where survival rates exceed 80%.

Too many children or teenagers are never diagnosed or are diagnosed too late. Early detection saves lives. Recognising the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer is critical to improving treatment outcomes and giving every child or teenager hope.

“Every ribbon is a reminder that no child, teenager or their family should face cancer alone. At CHOC, we believe in the power of collaboration, when communities, healthcare professionals, and organisations come together, we can change the outcome.,” says CHOC CEO Hedley Lewis. “This September, I invite everyone to join us in honouring the stories behind every name, recognising the early warning signs, and building a future where more children and teenagers survive and thrive.”

CHOC proudly stands alongside CCI and SIOP in supporting the global campaign #WeAllLiveIt a powerful reminder that when a child or teen is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family lives the journey. Parents, siblings, grandparents, and loved ones play an essential, often unseen role in a child’s healing. This campaign invites families, survivors, and communities to share their lived experiences. Together, we amplify the voices of those walking this path, not just the children, but everyone around them. Join the movement by sharing your story on social media with the hashtag #WeAllLiveIt.

CHOC  stands besides families every step of the way, offering  life-saving awareness, early detection education, and comprehensive support services.  These include accommodation near treatment centres, transport, psychosocial support, and counselling for families navigating the most difficult journeys.

We are calling on you, families, communities, schools, businesses, and health professionals, to wear the Gold Ribbon this September. Raise awareness. Start conversations. Share stories.

Get Involved:

  • Wear your Gold Ribbon throughout September.
  • Share a name and message in honour of someone affected by childhood cancer. Your tribute will appear on CHOC’s website.
  • Visit CHOC’s website to learn the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer.
  • Donate to CHOC your support helps fund early diagnosis efforts, emotional and psychosocial support for families, accommodation near treatment centres, transport, and more.

Let your voice be part of a movement that’s bigger than all of us. Who are you wearing your ribbon for?
A survivor. A newly diagnosed teenager. A loved one. A child who never got the chance.

Let’s raise our voices, and wear our ribbons.