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13 September 2022 | Story Prof Jan du Plessis and André Damons | Photo Istock
Prof_Jan-DuPlessis
Prof Jan du Plessis is the Head of the Paediatric Oncology Unit at the University of the Free State (UFS).

A post on Facebook by a bereaved parent of a young child who tragically died of cancer that reads: “I want my old life back, the one with my child in it”, is unfortunately still the sad reality that many families face, even though in developed countries the overall survival rate for childhood cancer is now over 80%. For some types of cancer and in developing countries such as South Africa, the rate is much lower. There are some childhood cancers for which there is no treatment and which are uniformly fatal. 

Another harsh reality, according to Prof Jan du Plessis, Head of the Paediatric Oncology Unit at the University of the Free State (UFS), is that some of those who do survive cancer can go on to suffer long-term (sometimes life-long) health issues as a result of their treatment. Almost all cancer treatments used in children today were actually developed for adults. Most of these treatments (such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy) target all fast-growing cells (not just cancer cells), and this leads to harsh side-effects in young, growing bodies. 

Prof du Plessis says the need for more effective and safer treatments for children is urgent. Despite better outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer, some do not survive. Currently, between 800 to a 1 000 South African children are diagnosed with cancer annually. However, it’s estimated that half of the children with cancer in South Africa are never diagnosed, according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)

Different types of Childhood Cancer

Children can get many different types of cancer. Some of the most common childhood cancers are:
• Leukaemia – cancer of the blood and bone marrow, which is the most common childhood cancer.
• Brain cancer – cancer that grows in the brain which is the second most common childhood cancer. It kills more children than any other type of cancer.
• Neuroblastoma & Nephroblastoma – the most common solid tumours diagnosed in children under the age of five.
• Sarcoma – a cancer that grows in the bones and connective tissues of the body.
• Lymphoma – cancer that develops in the lymphatic system.

St Siluan Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer:

According to CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, research showed that an ongoing awareness campaign on the early warning signs was needed to improve the rate of referrals at an earlier stage of the disease. It is for this reason that 15 February (International Childhood Cancer Day), and the month of September, that marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, are important for awareness. 

“It is not possible to prevent cancer in children, but significant improvements can be made in their lives by detecting cancer early and avoiding delays in care. A correct diagnosis is important to treat children with cancer because each cancer involves a specific treatment regimen that may include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

“To improve early diagnosis we try to educate the public/students on the early warning signs of childhood cancer. We use the St Siluan Warning Signs for Childhood Cancer,” explains Prof Du Plessis. 

S – Seek medical help early for ongoing symptoms
I – White spot in the eye, new squint, sudden blindness or bulging eyeball
L – Lump on the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, testicle or glands
U – Unexplained fever present for more than two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, pale appearance, easy bruising and bleeding
A – Aching bones, joints, back and easy fractures
N – Neurological signs, a change in walk, balance or speech, regression, continuous headaches with / without vomiting and enlarged head

According Prof du Plessis, his hope is to diagnose these kids early, the earlier they are diagnosed, the less treatment they are exposed. It is amazing to witness how the cancer kids adapt to their new normal and reality, says Prof Du Plessis. 

“They play soccer in the corridor, not in the park. One in fact learnt to walk in the hospital. Nurses and doctors become their new family. Their joy, strength and resilience is remarkable. Their laughter will make your heart melt. Your life will be forever changed, seeing a child fight cancer.”

News Archive

A position statement by the School of Medicine, UFS, regarding the crisis in health care in the Free State
2009-05-27

The executive management of the School of Medicine (SOM) at the University of the Free State (UFS) and its senior members wish to express their grave concern at the way the financial crisis in the Free State has negatively impacted on the provision of health care to the population. The unavailability of goods and services at every level of care has become so severely compromised that the staff of the SOM can no longer remain silent on this issue. By remaining silent it may be construed that we are either indifferent to, or even accepting the situation. Neither is true. The SOM can in no way condone, sanction or accept the current situation of health care in the Free State.

Other concerns expressed by the SOM include:

  • Medical services have been severely compromised due to the disintegrating primary health care system in the FS. This has resulted in patients who were in need of more advanced levels of medical care not being referred appropriately or timeously to level two hospitals and from there for tertiary care. Inpatient as well as outpatient numbers are steadily declining and the tendency now is to fill fewer beds with critically ill or terminally ill patients. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable patients for training and examination purposes.
     
  • It becomes more difficult to attract and retain experienced and suitably qualified medical specialists interested in an academic career, due to the inability to provide prospective career opportunities. This is particularly the case in the surgical disciplines.
     
  • It is also becoming more difficult to attract and appoint highly qualified registrars (future specialists) since the reputation of this SOM has been compromised by the negative publicity created by the financial difficulties of the FSDoH. Registrars form the backbone of the clinical work force in all teaching hospitals. If vacant posts cannot be filled in time service provision, as well as undergraduate teaching are severely jeopardised.
     
  • As a direct consequence of the rationing of health care, fewer surgical procedures are being performed. The point may soon be reached where registrars in the surgical disciplines may not get sufficient hands-on experience to allow them to qualify within the required time frame.
     
  • Non-payment of accounts to service providers and suppliers including the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), maintenance contracts and industry will severely compromises health care and future loyalty, goodwill and provision of critical services.
     
  • The dwindling number of qualified and experienced nurses in the public (and private) health care sector is an ongoing unresolved issue. Despite the fact that primary health care is mainly nurse-driven, nursing colleges were closed during the previous decade. These colleges must now be re-commissioned at high cost adding to the financial burden.
     
  • The morale of health care workers at all levels of health care has reached an all-time low
     
  • It is becoming increasingly difficult to conduct meaningful research in all disciplines due to staff shortages and lack of funding.

See attachment for the full statement on by the School of Medicine, regarding the crisis in health care in the Free State.

Media Release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt.stg@ufs.ac.za
26 May 2009
 

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