Gold September Launched to Support Children with Cancer and Raise Awareness

The initiative aims to increase public awareness, support research, and advocate for better treatment and care for young cancer patients.

The Department of Health, in collaboration with several organizations, has called on the public to support children living with cancer and survivors during September, recognized globally as Gold September. This initiative aims to raise awareness about childhood cancers such as leukaemia, brain cancers, and lymphomas, and to promote solidarity with affected families.

The campaign is a joint effort with the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (SAAPHO), the National Cancer Registry (NCR), and the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa. It underscores the urgency of addressing cancer, a leading cause of death among children and adolescents globally. Each year, approximately 400,000 new childhood cancer cases are diagnosed worldwide, with around 1,000 of these occurring in South Africa, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer in the country.

"Gold September is an internationally recognized month dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer. The iconic gold ribbon symbolizes the strength, courage, and resilience of children and teenagers affected by this disease," said the Department of Health.

The initiative aims to increase public awareness, support research, and advocate for better treatment and care for young cancer patients. It aligns with the WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), which seeks to elevate the global survival rate to 60% by 2030 and ensure that children can live pain-free lives despite their illness.

The Department highlighted the extensive challenges faced by children and families battling cancer, including economic difficulties, lack of community support, and geographical barriers to treatment. "The emotional, physical, social, and educational burdens imposed by the disease make the treatment journey incredibly daunting. We must address the comprehensive needs of these patients and their families to offer effective support," the Department said.

A significant issue is the delayed presentation of children at primary healthcare centers and pediatric oncology units. To address this, the Department urges South Africans to recognize the early warning signs of childhood cancer and act promptly. The Siluan Early Warning Signs are crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.

Support from the public, medical community, civil society, and non-governmental organizations is vital. The Department of Health appreciates the efforts of all involved and emphasizes the need for continued collaboration to provide the best care and support for young cancer patients.

CHOC CEO Hedley Lewis reaffirmed the organization's commitment to advocacy and raising awareness about early warning signs of childhood cancer. "Empowering the public with information to report symptoms promptly is essential," Lewis said.

Professor Gita Naidu, Chair of SAAPHO and Head of Paediatric Oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, urged society to maintain unwavering support for children and families affected by cancer. "The diagnosis of a child with cancer can tear families apart, create financial hardships, and lead to significant emotional distress. We must continue to support these families through their challenging journey," Naidu concluded.