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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

Make the right choices and you will succeed, Prof Jansen advises learners
2014-05-30

“You can make a choice today that will end up with you being pregnant, having babies, being unemployed, sitting at home like some of our brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts. Or you can make a different decision – and that decision is about you working so hard that you earn entry into the University of the Free State, get your degree and become great, not only in South Africa, but in the world.”

This was the message from the UFS’s Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Jonathan Jansen, who addressed prospective Kovsies during our Open Day on the Qwaqwa Campus on Saturday 24 May 2014. Prof Jansen advised all learners to always make the right decisions.

“The first right decision is to pass well. You must go for 60%, 70% and 80% passes. Set yourself a target and do not just strive to pass, but to pass well,” Prof Jansen told a packed Rolihlahla Mandela Multi-purpose Hall, with learners coming from as far as Ficksburg, Lindley and Koppies.

“The second thing that you need to do, is to believe in yourself. Do not believe people who tell you what you can or cannot do. Believe in what you can do,” said Prof Jansen.

“Thirdly, you have to get up and do things for yourself. You have to work hard, sleep less and study hard. Don't accept excuses. If you can do these three things, then the best place to study is the University of the Free State. Believe that the sky is the limit.”

“We learned a very valuable lesson here today,” said Tumelo Mofokeng from Nkarabeng Secondary School in Kestell.

The fun-filled programme included performances and messages of encouragement from current students who have been part of the unique Leadership for Change Programme. This programme equips first-year students with skills to reflect, dialogue and engage on issues of diversity and leadership.

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