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5 Early detection warning signs of childhood cancer all parents should know | MyPR.co.za

MyPR: 5 Early detection warning signs of childhood cancer all parents should know:

Among the many health-related concerns during the Covid-19 pandemic are life-threatening illnesses that are going undiagnosed or being overlooked because people fear visiting medical facilities. For non-profit organisation, Rainbows and Smiles Foundation, a major worry is that early warning signs of childhood cancer are being missed, which could result in treatment starting too late for many.

“Every year, almost 1 000 South African children are diagnosed with cancer and, because of our socio-economic challenges, early warning signs are often undetected,” said Bonita Suckling
Founder Member of Rainbow and Smiles Foundation. “As a result, these children face a difficult battle. Experts estimate that around two-thirds of childhood cancers in our country remain unreported. To improve survival rates, more children need to be diagnosed early and treated by a pediatrician.”

She said that the challenges are now compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic and strain on the healthcare facilities: “Rainbows and Smiles have faced multiple constraints and, with Covid-19 prioritised, there are subsequent delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment.”

Another major concern for the foundation is that families are reluctant to take their children to the doctor because of coronavirus risk.

“A delay in diagnosis could result in more advanced cancer that is harder to treat,” continued Suckling. “This is why we are putting more effort into creating awareness, breaking down barriers and curbing the stigma that can quickly emerge during a time of crisis.”

5 early detection signs to look out for:

  1. Check for any white spots in the eye, any new squint, blindness or bulging eyeball.
  2. Check for lumps on the pelvis, abdomen, head, neck, limbs, testes or glands.
  3. If there is any prolonged fever (more than two weeks), loss of weight, pallor, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding.
  4. If there is any aching of bones, joints, back or easy fractures.
  5. Check for neurological symptoms such as a change or deterioration in walk or balance; changes or deterioration in speech; any regression of milestones; any ongoing headaches (more than a week) with or without vomiting; or an enlarged head.

In addition to sharing lifesaving information, Rainbows and Smiles Foundation brings much-needed support – emotional, financial and social – as well as happiness to children with cancer, their caregivers and the medical fraternity. The sad reality of childhood cancer is that some children will not survive it, and the NPO works with organisations in the community to promote professional
counselling for children and their families and caregivers in the case that a child’s illness is terminal, or when one a child hero dies.

The NPO receives no government funding, relying solely on the generosity sponsors and volunteers. If you would like to provide assistance, a wishlist is outlined below. Please note that charity deals with children whose immune systems are severely compromised due to cancer treatments. To that end, all donated items must be new or washed as any germs can be catastrophic for a child fighting cancer.

Wishlist for children:

  • New books (or almost new) for the mobile libraries.
  • Craft sets – the sets from The Crazy Store are ideal – otherwise beading sets, stickers, fabric paint sets, glitter pens, paints, sketch pads, scrapbook kits or wooden craft sets.
  • Crayons – roll ups if possible as they don’t break and can be sanitized.
  • Pre-loved, good quality clothes (washed).
  • Nappies (size 4 and up) and wet wipes.

Wish list for nurses (they need some appreciation at this time!):

  • Cappuccino sachets and biscuits (these are such a treat!)
  • Peanut butter
  • Microwave popcorn
  • Teaspoons and mugs (these are very in demand!)

Dream wish list:

  • R300 food vouchers from Checkers or Pick ‘n Pay (this is a set amount for fair distribution) for families.
  • A wrap sponsor for the mobile library which can include sponsor’s logo.
  • Microwaves x 3
  • Toasters x3 (new if possible)
  • Furniture for the kitchen (2 x tables with chairs)
  • Airtime vouchers
  • Monetary donations – Rainbows and Smiles is a public benefit organisation in terms of section 30 of the income tax act. This is a BBBEE level 1 accredited, voluntary association and donations are tax deductible.

Banking details
RAINBOWS AND SMILES
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch: Germiston, Lambton
Account Number: 020 313 373
Branch Code: 011 642
Reference: Your Name
For more information or to keep updated on Rainbows and Smiles events:
Visit www.rainbowsandsmiles.org.za
Like the ‘Rainbows and Smiles’ Facebook page
Follow @rainbowsandsmilesfoundation on Instagram
Follow @RbowsSmilesNPO on Twitter

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Have you tried: Reach Trust for Solar and Building Management?

Did you know this about Johannesburg? In 1893 Johannesburg’s first stock exchange was opened. From then until today Johannesburg has been the seat of the South African stock exchange and the country’s financial heartland. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange is presently in Sandton, Johannesburg.

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The Oriental Plaza: A Phoenix in Fordsburg

If Johannesburg is a city of forced displacements, the Oriental Plaza is its most resilient response. While the Rand Club was built for the elite and Ponte for the “jet-set,” the Oriental Plaza was born from the trauma of the Group Areas Act—a piece of Apartheid legislation designed to geographically separate the races. Yet, in true Johannesburg fashion, what was intended as a tool of containment and financial ruin for the Indian community transformed into one of the most vibrant, independent commercial powerhouses in the country.

The story of the Plaza begins with the destruction of Pageview, affectionately known as Fietas. In the mid-20th century, Fietas was a legendary multicultural hub, centered around the bustling 14th Street. It was the city’s premier destination for textiles, clothing, and spices, where shoppers of all races would rub shoulders in a “jazzy, soulful” atmosphere. However, because Fietas was located so close to the white-only city center, the Apartheid government declared it a “white area” in 1962. The community fought back for decades, but by the 1970s, the bulldozers arrived. Homes were leveled, and the thriving traders of 14th Street were forcibly relocated to a purpose-built, modernist complex a kilometer away in Fordsburg: the Oriental Plaza.

The government’s intent was cynical: by moving the traders into a controlled environment with high state-mandated rents and strict rules on what could be sold, they hoped to break the back of Indian commercial dominance. The early years were devastating; many businesses folded, and the “Grand Bazaar” felt like a sterile warehouse compared to the street-level energy of Fietas. However, the traders refused to vanish. They eventually won the right to purchase their own shops, making the Oriental Plaza unique among South African malls because it is owned by the shopkeepers themselves rather than a corporate landlord. This ownership model changed everything. Without the burden of massive monthly mall rentals, the 360+ independent stores can offer prices that national retailers cannot touch, turning the Plaza into a “bargain-hunter’s paradise” that draws millions of visitors a year.