Dr. Magdalene Odunvbun, a Consultant Paediatric Haemato-oncologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, has urged parents and guardians to be vigilant for early signs of cancer in children and seek prompt medical intervention. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin, she highlighted the critical issue of late presentation of childhood cancer cases, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of treatment.
According to report from punch, Dr. Odunvbun explained that early detection is crucial for successful cancer treatment. She emphasized that parents should not wait for abnormal growths to become large before seeking medical care and warned against using traditional treatments, which often deplete financial resources without providing a cure.
She clarified that children, like adults, can develop cancer, as it arises from uncontrolled cell growth in various body parts. Common childhood cancers affect the eyes, kidneys, blood, and lymph nodes. Early signs of eye cancer, for example, may include a speck resembling a cataract in the eye or a retinal tumor. Other signs include abnormal growths on the neck, stomach, or any body part.
For blood cancer, repeated anemia requiring frequent blood transfusions and persistent fevers may indicate the disease. Dr. Odunvbun urged parents to seek medical assessment if they notice these symptoms.
She also addressed the financial challenges of cancer treatment for children in Nigeria. Many parents cannot afford the cost and receive no government support, leading to abandoned treatments and relapse. In contrast, developed countries provide health insurance that covers these costs, ensuring better treatment adherence and outcomes. Dr. Odunvbun called on both government and non-government organizations to provide financial assistance to families dealing with childhood cancer to improve survival rates.