THERE are 20 to 30 new cases of childhood cancer recorded in Fiji every year.
Colonial War Memorial Hospital Paediatric Oncology Unit paediatric registrar Dr Raynold Waisele confirmed this following the Wows Kids Fiji three-kilometre Childhood Cancer Awareness Fun Walk held at Suva’s Alber Park yesterday.
“Here in Fiji, at CWMH, we currently have nine active cases who are currently undergoing chemotherapy,” Dr Waisele said.
“In Lautoka Aspen we have three active cases that are currently going through chemo every year.
“But every year, here in Fiji, we see a total of 20 to 30 new cases of childhood cancer.”
He said the number of cases over the years remained the same — falling between 20 and 30 cases.
He said parents should be aware of the early warning signs of childhood cancer.
“The only thing we would like to advocate on is to know the early warning signs.
“These are weight loss, persistent fever, bone pains, any lumps or bumps around the neck or abdomen. You’ll also have easy bruising, children will become lethargic, and also bleeding.”
Dr Waisele said if these symptoms were visible, parents were advised to immediately take their children to hospital.