Early Diagnosis of childhood cancer
We’re helping more children to get a diagnosis
Survival starts with an early and accurate diagnosis.
The sooner treatment starts, the higher the chance of success.
It is an opportunity that is often missed. In some countries, disease awareness is so low that most cases go undiagnosed. And for children who are referred on, poor care pathways and limited diagnostics can take time they do not have.
This means it all happens too late.
And once the cancer reaches Stage 4, palliative care is often the only option.
But with education and awareness we can change this.
For instance, in Ghana last year our Early Warning Signs campaign (training frontline health workers to recognise the symptoms of childhood cancer) led to a 28% increase in diagnosis. Even despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
Early diagnosis is the key to survival
Training healthcare staff on the early warning signs of childhood cancer is key to improving diagnosis and survival outcomes
The Work We Do
Early diagnosis of childhood cancer provides hope for better outcomes. That’s why World Child Cancer is working with communities, health workers and partners to diagnose children earlier.
We do this by:
- Raising public awareness around the early warning signs and symptoms of childhood cancer.
- Training frontline and second-tier health workers to recognise cases when they present.
- Supporting the development of patient referral pathways.
- Building capacity for diagnostic services at partner hospitals and treatment centres.
With your support we can make sure children are given the diagnosis they need, when they need it.
Discover More Stories…
Uttam’s Story
Meet Uttam – just one of the 662 children as part of our ‘Closing the Cancer Gap’ appeal, including matched funding from the UK Government.
Read moreAlile’s Story
Discover Alile’s journey through cancer as recounted by her mother, from the initial symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.
Read moreNaa’s Story
We first met Naa in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour at 7 years old. In 2021 the cancer returned and Naa underwent treatment again. She has battled cancer twice and is now back in school.
Read moreJoseph’s update
We first met Joseph in 2019 after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Find out more how he is doing after his successful treatment.
Read moreKayin’s story
Kayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.
Read moreRebecca’s Update
Read more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.
Read moreHassan’s story
14-year-old Hassan from the Machinga district of Malawi was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) last year.
Read moreTiwo’s story
Five years after developing cancer and two years of treatment later, six-year-old Tiwo is doing well
Read moreFranklyn’s Story
Meet Franklyn, now 17, who is fully recovered from cancer and dreams of becoming a doctor to help others
Read moreRebecca’s Success Story
Rebecca is now able to return to school after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana
Read moreMy road to recovery
Prince went on to become a childhood cancer advocate and help many other children just like him when he recovered from leukaemia. Read More
Read moreEstaphanie is excited to start university!
Meet Estaphanie, who is excited to start university after being forced to take time out of school following a cancer diagnosis
Read moreMeet Bulu
Bulu is looking forward to following in his brother’s footsteps getting back on the football field
Read moreMeet Oscar
Oscar was six years old when his mother noticed a swelling on his tummy and took him to a traditional village doctor
Read more