29/09/2026
By wearing a gold ribbon, supporting a child cancer foundation, or creating awareness that cancers do occur in children, albeit rare. The signs and symptoms may be subtle at first and easily be mistaken for more common illnesses.
If symptoms persist, such as fever, tiredness, weight loss, lumps, bumps and bone pain, do seek help. Get a second opinion if symptoms persist or worsen. Most doctors will only see a handful of cases during their career and may not consider such a serious diagnosis. Children oncologists do not need proof of a cancer before discussing or consulting a child or teen with concerning symptoms. In fact, we prefer to be part of the work-up to prevent treatment delays and unnecessary tests.
Importantly, cancer in children is for the most part treatable. The majority of our patients survive. World-wide, because of high survival rates, scientists and researchers are continuously finding ways to make therapies less toxic.
At Life Groenkloof Hospital, Dr Liezl du Plessis, a paediatric oncologist, has a passion to treat teens with cancer and to walk the path with them and their families.
If any concerns regarding your child or teen’s health, contact Life Groenkloof Hospital on 012 424 3600 or visit https://bit.ly/3PKFbcw for further information on our paediatric oncology services.
