75 children die of cancer at Qech every year
Out of 250 children diagnosed treated with cancer at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) every year, about 75 of these die of the disease, hospital authorities have said.
Consultant Pediatrician working in the Oncology ward at the hospital, Dr George Chagaluka disclosed this today during commemoration for this year’s International Day of Childhood cancer in Thyolo. The commemoration were held under the theme ‘Childhood cancer is curable’.
Chagaluka said the common cancer type in children in Malawi is Burkitt’s lymphoma followed by leukemia. He then urged parents to seek medical help on time when their children show signs of cancer.
Said Chagaluka: “Let me emphasize here that cancer is curable, but the major challenge is that most patients come to the hospital in terminal stages.
“My plea to parents is that they should be watchful of their children and immediately take them to the hospital when they suspect any abnormal growth on the neck, abdomen or jaw.”
According to Chagaluka, the problem is compounded by several factors which include lack of awareness as well as myths and beliefs surrounding cancer.
As part of the commemoration, Carlsberg Malawi took 18 cancer patients from Qech’s oncology ward to Game Haven in Thyolo for refreshments.
Lucia Silungwe, Nursing officer for QECH thanked Carlsberg Malawi for the support, saying the children were given a chance to play around and appreciate nature.
A mother to one of the patients, Evelyn Botha, said her two-year-old child who was diagnosed with Leukemia in January is now feeling better.
“My child was very sick, he was not able to eat or walk, but now he is doing all these things on his own. He was re-examined last week and no sign of cancer was detected,” said Botha.
