Childhood cancer cases on the rise in Volta Region
The head of the Paediatric and Oncology Unit at the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), Dr Kokou Amegan-Aho, has raised concerns about the increasing number of childhood cancer cases in the Volta Region.
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In the period between January and June of this year, the unit recorded 12 cases of childhood cancer, including blood cancer, kidney cancer, cancer of the jaw, and cancer of the vagina.
Dr Amegan-Aho expressed worry that many cases in the communities have not yet been identified, indicating a need for early diagnosis and treatment.
To address this issue, 35 nurses from various hospitals in the region underwent training in early childhood cancer diagnosis. This training coincided with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, emphasising the importance of all hands being in for a cure.
Dr Amegan-Aho stressed the need for early diagnosis as the most effective way to tackle childhood cancer. He strongly advised against sending cancer patients to prayer camps for faith healing, as this approach often leads to delayed medical attention and worsens the situation, resulting in fatalities.
The Director of Medicine at HTH, Dr Emmanuel Kasu, highlighted the stark contrast between survival rates in developed countries and sub-Saharan countries like Ghana.
“ In developed countries, 80 percent of cancer patients survive with proper treatment, whereas in Ghana, less than 30 per cent survive due to late presentation, delays in diagnosis, and treatment challenges.”
Dr Kasu also expressed concern over cancer patients being held hostage at prayer camps, where false hopes for recovery without medical attention are given.
The training, which was sponsored by World Child Cancer, covered various topics such as pre-treatment counseling, pain assessment, preparing children for painful procedures, and family-tailored effective communication.
Additionally, common types of childhood cancers, early warning signs, diagnosis, and treatment modalities like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery were discussed.