Common Childhood Cancers in Ghana
- Lymphomas (cancer of lymphoid tissues)
- Leukemia (cancer of the blood cells)
- Retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye)
- Nephroblastoma (cancer of the kidney) Cancer of the muscles or bones in different parts of the body
- Brain cancers
The following may be early signs of cancer in children. Others result in similar symptoms and signs but it is better to take the child for examination.
- Eye
A white spot in the eye, new squint, worsening vision, bulging eyeball or persistent redness.
- Lumps
Swelling or lumps in any parts of the body such as: the head, neck, limbs, abdomen, testes or jaws.
- Unexplained Fever
Unexplained fever for over two weeks, loss of weight, pallor, tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding.
- Aching
Persistent pain in bones or joints. Bones that break easily.
- Neurological
- Change or deterioration in walking, balance or speech
- Headache for more than two weeks with or without vomiting
- Enlarging head
There are currently two cancer treatment centers in Ghana:
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi
- Remember childhood cancer is curable.
- Early reporting can save your child’s life.
