Dr. Elizabeth Fadahunsi, a Senior Registrar in the Paediatrics Department at the National Hospital, Abuja, has called for increased awareness about childhood cancer, especially at the grassroots level.
Fadahunsi made the appeal known on Tuesday in Abuja, the sidelines of a cancer awareness event for children, organised by the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OkapiCCF) in Abuja.
She stressed that raising awareness in rural and underserved communities would help dispel misconceptions about childhood cancer and inform families that early diagnosis and treatment could lead to survival.
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“There is still a widespread belief in many communities that cancer in children is a death sentence. This is not true. With timely diagnosis and proper care, many children can survive and live normal lives,” she said.
Fadahunsi commended the foundation for its efforts in supporting families affected by childhood cancer and called for more collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen early detection and access to treatment.
She also pointed out the lack of awareness and the cost of treatment, among others, which she said, were some of the reasons parents and caregivers sought alternative care for children suffering from cancer.
“The sad part is that parents usually come in denial, and I think there is a need for more advocacy and awareness on child cancer, which is still lacking in this country.
“Some parents are always in denial, saying ‘It is not my portion’ or ‘it is not possible’. They prefer to go to prayer houses or traditional healers for alternatives.
“By the time such a child is brought to the hospital, the condition might be at a critical stage of cancer.
“This is usually not a good prognosis for children, and there is need for more awareness on child cancer.
“So, we advocate that the government should pay more attention to awareness, especially at the grassroots level,” she added.