CATHCA partnered with the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) in August to strengthen the knowledge of community members, particularly caregivers, on childhood cancers. Through this collaboration, Kopano Lerato OVC caregivers participated in a training session focused on recognising the early warning signs of childhood cancer.
The workshop emphasised the importance of early medical consultation for persistent symptoms, regular screening for retinoblastoma, and close monitoring for abnormal lumps in areas such as the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, and glands.
Caregivers were also reminded of the urgency of referring children to hospitals when symptoms such as an unexplained fever lasting more than two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, pale skin, bone or joint pain, back pain, frequent fractures, or neurological changes are present.