Oscar, aged 6, Malawi

The earlier the detection, the sooner treatment can be received, increasing chances of survival such as the case with Oscar

Oscar was six years old when his mother noticed a swelling on his tummy and took him to a traditional village doctor, who told them it was a disease of the spleen.

When the village doctor’s medicines did not make Oscar better, his family spent weeks consulting other local doctors about his condition but could not find out what was wrong. There is a lack of awareness of childhood cancer amongst healthcare professionals in Malawi and many are not able to recognise the signs and symptoms.

Young Cancer Patient Malawi Boy In Hospital World Child Cancer
Oscar receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Malawi

Oscar was eventually referred to the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre – the centre for World Child Cancer’s programme in Malawi. It was there that he was diagnosed with Wilms’ Tumour by Professor Molyneux and her team.

After completing a nine week treatment protocol involving surgery and chemotherapy, Oscar’s cancer was successfully treated. He has been attending annual follow-ups at QECH and completed his five-year follow-up. He has been able to enjoy a healthy, cancer-free childhood.  

Young Cancer Survivor Patient Malawi Boy World Child Cancer
Oscar recovering from his treatment

World Child Cancer is working to raise awareness of the early warning signs and symptoms of childhood cancer in Malawi so that children like Oscar have a greater chance at survival. Challenges remain in how communities seek health advice and referral pathways may not exist to ensure that children reach a hospital where they can receive appropriate treatment.

Naa’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.

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Joseph’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.

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Kayin’s story

Kayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.

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Rebecca’s Update

Read more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.

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Hassan’s story

14-year-old Hassan from the Machinga district of Malawi was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) last year.

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Discover More Stories…

Naa’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 more

Joseph’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 more

Kayin’s story

Kayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.

Read more

Rebecca’s Update

Read more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.

Read more

Hassan’s story

14-year-old Hassan from the Machinga district of Malawi was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) last year.

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Tiwo’s story

Five years after developing cancer and two years of treatment later, six-year-old Tiwo is doing well

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Franklyn’s Story

Meet Franklyn, now 17, who is fully recovered from cancer and dreams of becoming a doctor to help others

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Rebecca’s Success Story

Rebecca is now able to return to school after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana

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My 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

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Estaphanie 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

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Meet Bulu

Bulu is looking forward to following in his brother’s footsteps getting back on the football field

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Meet Oscar

Oscar was six years old when his mother noticed a swelling on his tummy and took him to a traditional village doctor

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Together we can close the gap in childhood cancer care.

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