Cancer signs to watch for in your child and what to do
About 3,000 new cases of cancer among children and adolescents are diagnosed in Uganda each year, according to the World Health Organisation’s 2024 report. However, only about 30% of these children present at cancer treatment centres in the country.
Dr Yvonne Rose Buwikizo, a paediatric oncologist at Mulago Hospital, advises parents to seek specialist attention when a child remains unwell without a clear diagnosis. (Credit: Maureen Nakatude)
Although the causes of many childhood cancers are difficult to identify, parents can play an important role by recognising possible warning signs and seeking medical attention early.
About 3,000 new cases of cancer among children and adolescents are diagnosed in Uganda each year, according to the World Health Organisation’s 2024 report.
However, only about 30% of these children present at cancer treatment centres in the country.
“The most prevalent childhood cancers in Uganda include Burkitt lymphoma, acute leukaemia, Wilms tumour and rhabdomyosarcoma,” the report says.
Moses Echudu, executive director of the Uganda Child Cancer Foundation at Mulago Hospital, says parents should pay attention to changes in their children’s health and seek medical attention when something does not seem right.
Signs to watch for
A noticeable change in a child’s behaviour or energy levels can be a warning sign.
Dr Yvonne Rose Buwikizo, a paediatric oncologist at Mulago Hospital, advises parents to seek specialist attention when a child remains unwell without a clear diagnosis.
“If you've had a child sick for three weeks and nothing can be identified, it's good to go to a paediatrician,” she says. “Most likely the paediatrician will suspect and then send the child to us.”
Persistent headaches are another symptom that should not be ignored. Echudu advises parents to seek medical attention when a child has headaches that do not improve for several weeks.
Children are advised to drink lots of fruit and vegetable juices. (Credit: Maureen Nakatudde)
He also points to unusual tiredness or breathlessness during activities that the child would normally manage easily.
“If they cannot run a lot, you know, a normal child is supposed to be able to run a kilometre and not even feel tired,” he says. “But if a child walks 100 metres and suddenly, they are panting like their life is on the line, you should be alarmed.”
However, Echudu stresses that these symptoms do not necessarily mean a child has cancer.
“This is because cancer presents like any other disease in children,” he says.
“A second opinion for any patient is a right. It's not a disturbance to a doctor,” he says. “It’s not an indictment that the doctor is not doing a good job. It's just a right for every patient to seek a second opinion.”
Caring for a child with cancer
A cancer diagnosis can be frightening, but Buwikizo urges parents to remain hopeful, particularly when the disease is detected early.
She advises parents to ensure that children follow their prescribed treatment carefully.
“Because once you get all the recommended treatment, depending on your stage, you can actually be cured and grow up,” she says.
Nutrition is also an important part of care. Buwikizo recommends a balanced diet to help children cope with the effects of treatment.
“We're giving them intense treatment, which is going to break down the cancer cells, but also the normal cells,” she says. “With a balanced diet, they're able to replace that which has been destroyed.”
She recommends protein-rich foods such as fish and eggs, fruits such as mangoes and watermelons, and vegetables such as dodo and nakati. Children should also drink plenty of water, alongside appropriate vegetable and fruit juices.
The message to parents is therefore simple - pay attention to persistent or unusual changes in your child, seek medical advice early, and do not assume that every worrying symptom is cancer. Early assessment can make an important difference.