Pretoria: The Department of Health, working together with the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (SAAPHO), National Cancer Registry (NCR) and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, urges members of the public to show support for children living with cancer and also survivors.

The country joins the global community during the month of September to raise awareness about the impact of childhood cancers including leukaemia, brain cancers and lymphomas in families and communities, and also to acknowledge the critical role played by health professionals to support children with cancer, and their families.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents worldwide. It is estimated that 400 000 new childhood cancer cases are diagnosed each year, with around 1000 of these occurring in South Africa, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), with leukaemia being most common cancer diagnosed in children in South Africa according to the National Cancer Registry.  It is essential to come together in solidarity with those affected and work towards better outcomes for children with cancer.

Gold September is an internationally recognised month dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer. The iconic gold ribbon symbolises the incredible strength, courage, and resilience of children and teenagers impacted by this disease. The primary objective of Gold September, as well as ongoing efforts, is to increase public awareness, provide research support, and advocate for improved treatment and care for children and teenagers battling cancer.

It is essential to unite to amplify early detection, treatment, and support for affected families in alignment with the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). The GICC aims to elevate the global overall survival rate to 60% by 2030 and to ensure that children and adolescents can lead a life free from pain and suffering, even in the face of such a challenging illness.

Children and teenagers with cancer and their families are confronted with a myriad of obstacles that extend far beyond the complexities of treatment. Economic hardships, lack of community support, and sometimes the distances away from hospitals exacerbate these challenges. The emotional, physical, social, and educational burdens imposed by the disease make the treatment journey incredibly daunting. We as a nation must address the all-encompassing needs of these patients and their families to offer comprehensive support.

One of the significant challenges facing the medical community and those who support their heroic efforts to treat patients is the delayed presentation of children at primary health care centres and Paediatric Oncology Units in tertiary hospitals across the country. To improve early diagnosis, we urge all South Africans to recognise that “Children do get cancer.” It is essential to be aware of the Siluan Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer and to act promptly if any of these signs are apparent in a child you know. Additionally, we encourage everyone to support families throughout their journey instead of allowing them to feel isolated.

The Department of Health extends appreciation to the dedicated members of the medical community, as well as to the outstanding efforts of civil society, non-governmental organisations, and the compassionate South African public. Their tireless collaboration is instrumental in providing patients with the best care and support.

The National Cancer Registry is committed to provide as accurate and up-to-date statistics on childhood cancers to help guide decision makers and policies to make meaningful impact for children and families affected by childhood cancers.

According to Mr Hedley Lewis, the CEO of CHOC, a non-profit organisation caring for children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders, says that their organisation continues to advocate for sustained efforts within the childhood cancer community to collectively foster hope by raising awareness about the early warning signs of the disease.

“Additionally, it is important to empower the public with information to promptly report any instances where they suspect a patient may be exhibiting symptoms indicative of childhood cancer”, he said.

Meanwhile, Prof Gita Naidu, the Chair of SAAPHO and Head of Paediatric Oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, urges the society to continue with their unwavering support for the children and families afflicted by cancer. “Families are torn apart by the diagnosis of a child with cancer; siblings experience untold anguish; families are thrown into the depths of financial hardships with many unexpected out-of-pocket expenses; and families may experience a breakdown in relationships”, she said.

For more information and media enquiries, please contact:

Mr Foster Mohale
Health Departmental Spokesperson
0724323792
[email protected]

Mr Hedley Lewis
Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa
082 944 7655
[email protected]

CHOC and Core Unite to Launch iSchoolAfrica iPad Learning Programme in Four Gauteng Hospital Schools

The Impact of the Programme: Xichavo Mhangani’s Story

Gauteng, South Africa, 3 September 2024 – CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA (CHOC) and Core Group, the leading distributor of Apple, DJI and Nintendo in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, have partnered to introduce the iSchoolAfrica iPad Learning Programme to four hospital schools in Gauteng, including the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital School situated inside the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

This initiative supports paediatric oncology patients by ensuring their education continues despite the challenges posed by cancer treatment and prolonged hospital stays.

The programme brings iPads loaded with engaging content directly to children and teenagers undergoing cancer treatment. The goals include reducing anxiety, minimising learning loss, and assisting with various therapies. Comprehensive training is provided to hospital schoolteachers and CHOC volunteers to integrate the technology effectively into the children’s and teenagers’ routines and educational plans.

Core has contributed iPads equipped with built-in accessibility features and a wide selection of age-appropriate curriculum and entertainment apps. “We are thrilled to partner with CHOC to support the needs and rights of young learners,” said Dian De La Port, CEO of Core.

The Impact of the Programme: Xichavo Mhangani’s Story

Xichavo Mhangani, shared his journey with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Despite the challenges of his diagnosis and treatment, Xichavo has shown remarkable resilience. He balances his responsibilities as the head of a child-headed household, caring for his younger siblings, while pursuing his academic goals.

During his treatment, Xichavo found solace and support at the CHOC house in Diepkloof. The staff and other children became like a family to him, helping him come to terms with his diagnosis.

Xichavo’s story highlights the potential impact of the iSchoolAfrica iPad Learning Programme. Despite the toll of his treatments, Xichavo is working hard to excel in his studies and dreams of becoming a chartered accountant. Access to the iSchoolAfrica programme could have provided him with additional educational support, potentially improving his academic performance during this challenging time.

“Gold September is an internationally recognised month dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer. The iconic gold ribbon symbolises the incredible strength, courage, and resilience of children and teenagers impacted by this disease. It is essential to unite to amplify early detection, treatment, and support for affected families in alignment with the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). The GICC aims to elevate the global overall survival rate to 60% by 2030 and to ensure that children and adolescents can lead a life free from pain and suffering, even in the face of such a challenging illness,” said Prof. Gita Naidu, Head of Paediatric Oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

This partnership embodies a shared commitment to improving the quality of life and educational opportunities for children battling cancer.

“For CHOC, this collaboration and initiative is a dream come true. It is exciting to be able to have the launch of this programme during September, which is known internationally as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, we stand together to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children and teenagers with cancer, survivors and their families. Our voices are stronger when unite, and together we can make a difference,” said Hedley Lewis, CEO at CHOC.

For more information about the iSchoolAfrica iPad Learning Programme, please contact:

Dian De La Port – CEO of Core Computer Business – [email protected], Hedley Lewis – CEO of CHOC – [email protected] or Michelle Lissoos – Director of iSchoolAfrica – [email protected].

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

To: Editors & Health Journalists
Issued by: National Department of Health
Date: Thursday, 15 February 2024

International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day – 15 February

Pretoria: The National Department of Health (NDoH) urges health care workers and communities to be aware of the SILUAN warning signs for childhood cancer. This will allow for early detection and effective management of childhood cancers which will result in better outcomes.

Approximately 400 000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer annually. The South African children’s Tumour Registry reports 1000 new children and adolescents with cancer annually,  but many are missed and do not receive treatment.

Parents, educators, general practitioners and paediatricians play a crucial role in early detection of childhood cancers. It is important to know the early signs of childhood cancers which include a white spot in the eye or sudden blindness; lump on any place on the body mostly in the abdomen, neck and limbs; unexplained fever or weight loss; aching bones and easy fractures; and a change in behaviour, gait, headaches and regression in milestones.

The country joins the global community to commemorate International Childhood Cancer Day to raise awareness about childhood cancers and to express support for children and adolescents living with cancer, the survivors, and their families. The common childhood cancers in South Africa are leukaemia, lymphoma, brain tumours, eye and kidney tumours.

The International Childhood Cancer Day is observed on the 15^th of February annually to highlight the vital role of community engagement and support in addressing the complexities associated with childhood and adolescent cancer.

The NDoH in collaboration with the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology of Oncology (SAAPHO), WHO and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA acknowledge and commend the significant contributions made towards the care of children and adolescents with cancer by various stakeholders, including the medical community, civil society, parent groups, non-governmental organisations and individual members of our society.

Hedley Lewis, CHOC CEO has said, “these contributions provide crucial support to children and adolescents with cancer, survivors, and their families. Cancer impacts negatively on siblings and other family members. The challenges faced by these families extend beyond medical treatment, encompassing emotional, physical and social, financial, educational, and long-term health effects”.

According to Professor Gita Naidu, chair of South African Association of Paediatric Haematology Oncology, there is a need to raise primary health care and community

awareness of the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of childhood cancers especially amongst parents, caregivers and educators.

Early diagnosis and swift referral to treating centres is imperative to improve the outcomes of this dreaded disease. Childhood cancer is curable, but only if diagnosed and treated timeously”. Cancer care includes early diagnosis, the availability of diagnostics and therapeutics, supportive, long-term follow-up, quality of life and palliative care.

The WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) was launched in September 2018 with the aim of improving the global overall survival to 60% by 2030 and to allow these children and adolescents to live and die without pain and suffering. South Africa remains committed to focusing on childhood cancer and is aligned with the WHO-GICC goals.

SAAPHO and CHOC are hosting SIOP Africa in Johannesburg from 4-8 June 2024, and this will create an opportunity to share knowledge, foster collaborate, engage with stakeholders nationally, on the continent and globally with the aim of improving the lives of children and adolescents with cancer.

Pretoria: South Africa will tomorrow (Wednesday) join the global community to observe the International Childhood Cancer Day to raise awareness and improve understanding of childhood cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of death in high-income countries amongst children under the age of 15.

Although childhood cancer is relatively rare, the incidence rate has been increasing which may be due to awareness. Almost 400 000 children are diagnosed annually, and South Africa accounts for almost 1500 of this global number. Many children with cancer in low-and-middle-income countries are either not diagnosed on time or referred too late for curative care. One of the contributing factors for this, is a lack of awareness and knowledge of the early warning signs.

The most common types of childhood cancers include leukaemia, lymphoma, brain, kidney and eye tumours.

The Department of Health working together with the South African Children’s Cancer Study Group and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa have initiated a programme to disseminate information to empower the communities with knowledge about the early warning signs and the unique and complex challenges faced by children with cancer and their families. They also endeavour to offer support all children during their arduous journey.

The World Health Organization, governments, civil society organisations and health care workers are in partnership to meet the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) goals of a 60% overall survival in children and adolescents with cancer in low-and middle-income countries by 2030.

International Childhood Cancer Day is observed annually across the world on February 15, and the 2023 campaign is observed under the theme: #ThroughTheirHands, which focusses on paying tribute to the families and caregivers, and the positive impact they have on the lives of children and adolescents living with cancer.

The community, parents and caregivers are urged to familiarise themselves with the Siluan Early Warning Signs (https://choc.org.za/childhood-cancer-early-warning-signs/).

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA is humbled to have been chosen to join one of the most auspicious global alliances supporting children who are undergoing cancer treatment, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Global Alliance. This Accolade is testimony to the paediatric oncologists and medical fraternity, the South African Department of Health, our employees, volunteers, and donors who all come together to give these families the chance to overcome childhood cancer.

As St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Global Alliance recognises CHOC and becomes part of our family it means that we share the belief that every child, everywhere deserves the chance to live regardless of race, religion, or the ability to pay for treatment.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is one of the largest, most respected paediatric cancer research hospitals in the world and is non-profit. No family receives a bill from the hospital, ever. St. Jude treats about 8,600 patients a year including patients from around the world.

Over the last 60 years, their research and treatments have helped raise paediatric cancer survival rates in the US from 20% to 80% and even 94% for some types of cancer. St. Jude treats all patients regardless of race, religion or the ability to pay. Globally 400,000 children (0-19 years) are diagnosed with cancer each year of which roughly 1000 are South African.

We are a Non-Profit Organisation and rely on funds donated by individuals, companies, trusts and foundations. We also host a number of fundraising projects and events to accrue further funding. Without CHOC, many children – particularly those from low-income households living far from treatment centres – would not adhere to the necessary but arduous treatment path. CHOC has a proven ability to deliver sustainable solutions effectively and is an established brand endorsed by specialists. Our reporting on expenditure is detailed, accurate and we provide audited financial statements annually. We have demonstrated visible growth and have proved that we deliver results. To donate to CHOC please click here.

Hedley Lewis comments, CHOC CEO has said “For a non-profit organisation on the tip of Africa, this is a dream come true. We trust that this partnership is dedicated to the shared vision of improving the quality of healthcare delivery and increasing survival rates of children with cancer and blood disorders, not only in South Africa but worldwide”.

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA Flip Flop Day 2023 – Get Your Flip Flops Out!

Did you know, in some way or form, each and every single one of us is affected by childhood cancer? While it may not affect you directly in some cases – it could be someone close to you – a beloved family member or the child of a close friend or colleague. But one thing is for certain – we all know of one brave little child or teenager fighting against it every day.

But they’re never alone – these courageous soldiers will always have the support, love and strength from those around them, even if it’s through a donation from a stranger who they will never meet.

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa is an advocate for the fight against this life-threatening illness – offering psychosocial, emotional and patient facing support to families and children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer.

Made up of passionate, caring, committed and dedicated staff and volunteers, CHOC’s one goal is simple – to save lives through early detection, and to enable us all to stand up, stand strong and stand together to support these fearless little warriors.

Our 4^th Annual Flip Flop Day Is Almost Here!

We’re not really about counting the days here – we’re more about making each and every day count. CHOC is about using HOPE as the medicine for all diseases.

And so, Flip Flop Day and Flippie have stepped up to the forefront to get every South African – young or old, the corporate or casual, the beach-side dweller or the city slicker – to get up and literally wear their heart on their soles on Friday the 17^th of February 2023!

He’s told us to pass this message to you, “Rise up and join us! Kick off those shoes and let your toes be free on Friday, the 17^th of February 2023 by showing your support and love for our warriors by flipping on a pair of flip flops. Let’s show this life-threatening disease that we South Africans are a force to be reckoned with!

“I’m ready to show my support! Where can I get my Flip Flop Day sticker?”

As the needs of the children, teenagers and their families increase and our desire to enhance our augmentation of the medical fraternity treatment continues, we are aiming to raise even more than R2 MILLION last year!

Partnered for greatness, you can get your sticker for only R10 at your nearest PNA, Tekkie Town, or by visiting www.choc.org.za or popping into your nearest CHOC region.

Hedley Lewis, CHOC CEO, comments “your small donation will make the biggest difference in the lives of these valiant little ones and their families. With your R10, you are not only helping CHOC fund their Core Programmes, but you’ll also be giving the gift of hope, solidarity and support to anyone and everyone fighting against cancer”.

So, are you ready to be flip’n awesome this Flip Flop Day? Ready to flip on your favourite pair of flip flops and rock out with your toes out?

Corporate companies, small businesses, ladies and gents – let’s do this together – let’s help pave the way with love and support for these amazing kids to see a brighter tomorrow.

South Africa joins the rest of the global community to commemorate childhood cancer awareness month in September to raise awareness about children`s cancers to reduce child mortality rate and highlight the global burden of childhood cancers.

Although, children`s cancers are not always treated like adult cancers, they are highly curable with higher survival rates in high-income countries, while the situation is different in low-middle-income countries.

Delayed diagnosis together with too few specially trained health specialists, such as doctors and nurses, contribute to low survival rates. The 2022 Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is commemorated under the theme: “Better Survival is achievable #throughyourhands” which serves as a clarion call for governments, non-government, and the private sector to work together to achieve at least 60% survival in low-middle-income countries and to reduce suffering of all children with cancer by 2030 worldwide.

Globally, childhood and adolescent cancer is threatening to overtake infectious diseases, as one of the highest causes of disease-related mortality in children. Despite being relatively rare, in high-income countries childhood cancer is the second most common cause of death in children aged 5 to 14 years, after accidents, whilst in Africa it does not make it into the top 10 common causes.

The month of September is considered a month of hope for better treatment outcomes, for a brighter and healthier future for young cancer patients.

Professor Gita Naidu, Chair of South African Children’s Cancer Study Group says, “Early diagnosis and availability of basic childhood cancer drugs will enable us to meet the WHO 2030 goal of an overall survival of 60% in low-middle-income countries. Childhood cancer can be cured”.

According to Dr Kibachio Joseph Mwangi, Medical Officer responsible for Non-Communicable Diseases at the  World Health Organization of South Africa, “unlike in adults where screening has a huge impact on early cancer diagnosis treatment and outcome, awareness of childhood cancer symptoms by families and primary care providers, accurate and timely clinical evaluation as well as accurate diagnosis, staging and access to prompt treatment will go a long way to improve our survival rate in children with cancer”.  Early detection of childhood cancer affords early diagnosis enabling a better chance of being cured and an increase in the survival rate.

Sandhya Singh, Acting Chief Director: NCD Cluster, NDoH stresses the importance of meaningful engagement with all stakeholders in particular with children and teenagers living with cancer as well as their parents or caregivers to better understand their lived experiences and these impact on their access to care as well as the quality of survival.

Hedley Lewis, CHOC CEO says, “you have the power to make a change, no matter who you are, let’s be a voice for our children and teenagers this International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! Our children deserve to live a full life, and we have the power to give them the chance to do so”.

The survival rate of SA has gradually increased over the past few years to about 55%, though it is still well below the rate of developed countries of 80 to 90%, and the WHO GICC 2030 goal of at least a 60% survival rate. Statistics indicate that countries may be missing some children and teens who are either never diagnosed, misdiagnosed or unreported. A key factor is the lack of knowledge about the early warnings signs of childhood cancer which are accessible in various platforms including CHOC website

Members of the public are urged to be the change for those going through the childhood cancer journey and for those who have been newly diagnosed. There are many ways people can get involved this September, in order to make a difference in the lives of children and teenagers who are on the cancer recovery journey.

For more information and media enquiries, please contact: