Education/Awareness

CANCER IN CHILDREN

Cancer can affect children of any age. Common sites include the blood and bone marrow, bone, lymph nodes, brain, kidney and eyes.

Cancers in children are often difficult to recognize in the early stages, so parents should see that their children have regular medical check-ups and should be alert to any unusual symptoms that persist, such as:

Any unusual lump (mass) or swelling

Persistent or unexplained fever or illness

Change in skin colour or unexplained loss of energy

Excessive, rapid weight loss

Sudden eye or vision changes

Frequent headaches, often with vomiting

Persistent limping or pain in a bone or joint

Tendency to bruise easily

Any sudden bleeding that is difficult to control

CAMP GOOD DAYS

Each year two children from The Bahamas diagnosed with cancer travel with a chaperone to Camp Good Days in Rochester, New York where they spend two weeks with other children in a happy and informal camping environment.