MEDChronicle www.medicalchronicle.co.za
The doctor's newspaper
MAY 2026
Childhood cancer: a global wake-up call for SA
What SA can learn from the global decline in childhood cancer mortality: a guide for doctors to address disparities and close the care gap Gettyimages: Credit BSIP / Contributor
By Nicky Belseck, medical journalist
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HILDHOOD CANCER REMAINS a significant global health challenge, with its burden disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A newly published study on the global burden of cancer in children and adolescents aged 0–19 years (1990–2023) provides critical insights into trends, achievements, and areas requiring urgent attention. For SA doctors, the findings offer valuable guidance on improving outcomes for young cancer patients.
care. However, this progress is uneven, with LMICs bearing 85% of new cases and 94% of deaths in 2023. High-income countries have experienced the most significant reductions in mortality, thanks to robust healthcare systems and comprehensive cancer care programs. In contrast, regions like sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, face persistent challenges such as limited diagnostic infrastructure, shortages of trained healthcare professionals, and inadequate access to essential treatments.
GLOBAL TRENDS IN CHILDHOOD CANCER The study revealed that while the global incidence of childhood cancer has remained relatively stable since 1990, mortality rates have seen a dramatic decline. Between 1990 and 2023, childhood cancer deaths dropped by 56.5%, reflecting advancements in early diagnosis, treatment, and supportive
KEY STATISTICS AND REGIONAL DISPARITIES Childhood cancer is the 8th leading cause of death in children worldwide. While global childhood cancer deaths have declined by approximately 27% since 1990, the WHO African Region has seen a 56% rise in absolute deaths over the same period. This stark contrast highlights the inequities in healthcare access and outcomes between high-income and low-income regions. The highest age-standardised childhood
cancer mortality rates in 2023 were reported in the WHO African and Eastern Mediterranean Regions. These regions also face significant challenges in diagnosing and treating childhood cancers, often due to resource constraints and a lack of specialised healthcare infrastructure. Globally, the top causes of childhood cancer burden are leukaemias, brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumours, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These cancers account for the majority of cases and deaths, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address these specific types. CHALLENGES IN SA In SA, childhood cancer remains a growing concern. Many cases go undiagnosed or are diagnosed at advanced stages, contributing to higher mortality rates. Factors such as limited awareness among healthcare providers and the public, inadequate diagnostic facilities, and delays in accessing treatment exacerbate the problem. Additionally, socioeconomic disparities
play a significant role in childhood cancer outcomes. Children from low-income families often face barriers to accessing care, including transportation costs, long travel distances to specialised centres, and the financial burden of treatment. These challenges highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing childhood cancer in SA. PRACTICAL INSIGHTS FOR SA DOCTORS The study highlighted several actionable steps that SA healthcare professionals can take to improve childhood cancer outcomes. These steps focus on early detection, timely treatment, and equitable access to care. 1. Early recognition and referral Early detection is critical for improving survival rates. Doctors should prioritise raising awareness of common cancer symptoms, such as persistent fever, unexplained pallor, bone pain, lymphadenopathy, rapidly growing masses, and neurological signs. Public awareness campaigns targeting continued on page 5
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D COPINTS P I DE INS
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*1st MenB vaccine in SA; menB: meningococcal meningitis serogroup group B. REFERENCES: 1. BEXSERO approved professional information, July 2024. 2. Data source: ATPM Data_Rx_2025_06. BEXSERO SAFETY INFORMATION1: Contraindication: Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients (Sodium chloride, Histidine, Sucrose, Water for injection). SPECIAL WARNING & PRECAUTIONS FOR USE: Postpone vaccination in case of acute severe febrile illness. Do not inject intravascularly, subcutaneously, or intradermally. As with all injectable vaccines, appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in case of an anaphylactic event following vaccination. ADVERSE EVENTS: Infants and children (up to 10 years of age) Very Common: Eating disorders; sleepiness, unusual crying, headache; diarrhoea, vomiting (uncommon after booster); Rash (children aged 12 to 23 months) (uncommon after booster); Arthralgia; Fever (≥ 38 °C), injection site tenderness (including severe injection site tenderness defined as crying when injected limb is moved), injection site erythema, injection site swelling, injection site induration, irritability. Adolescents (from 11 years of age) and adults Very Common: Headache; nausea; myalgia, arthralgia; Injection site pain (including severe injection site pain defined as unable to perform normal daily activity), injection site swelling, injection site induration, injection site erythema, malaise. BEXSERO suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe, Meningococcal group B vaccine (rDNA, component, adsorbed). Each 0,5 mL of the reconstituted vaccine contains 50 μg recombinant Neisseria meningitidis group B NHBA fusion protein, 50 μg recombinant Neisseria meningitidis group B NadA protein, 50 μg recombinant Neisseria meningitidis group B fHbp fusion protein and 25 μg outer membrane vesicles (OMV) from Neisseria meningitidis group B strain NZ98/254 measured as amount of total protein containing the PorA P1.4. Reg No.: 54/30.2/0803. For full prescribing information refer to the professional information approved by the medicines regulatory authority. All adverse reactions are to be reported to GlaxoSmithKline on E-mail aereporting.za@gsk. com or Tel: +27 (0) 10 300 1000. Additionally, health care providers are to report any suspected adverse drug reactions to SAHPRA via the Med Safety APP (Medsafety X SAHPRA) and eReporting platform (who-umc.org) found on SAHPRA website. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies. ©2025 GSK group of companies or its licensor. Holder of Certificate of Registration: GlaxoSmithKline South Africa (Pty) Limited, No 1 Bridgeway Road, Bridgeways Precinct, Century City, Cape Town 7441. Marketed by Adcock Ingram Limited. Co. Reg. No. 1949/034385/06. Private Bag X69, Bryanston, 2021. Customer Care: 0860 ADCOCK/232625. www.adcock.com. 10.27.20251000004176. PM-ZA-BEX-BNNR-250011. October 2025. SCAN QR CODE FOR APPROVED PI
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