1. A cancer diagnosis can be scary at any age, but it can be even more frightening for a child.

Cancer is one of the four major types of NCDs.

The World Health Organization says cancer is a leading cause of death among children and adolescents. It is estimated that 400,000 children each year develop cancer, or rather one in 285 children develops cancer before the age of 20.

All cancers begin from cells. It happens when normal cells become cancerous, then these cells create cancer clusters or tumours. They multiply uncontrollably and invade different parts of the body, causing harm and death if left untreated.

In Fiji, 20 to 30 cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed annually, according to statistics provided by the team leader of WOWS Kids Fiji, Mere Williams.

WOWS Kids Fiji is a non-profit charity foundation for children with cancer that works in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

They have about 69 children under their care as of April of this year, with 35 children based in the Central Division, 26 children in the Western Division and 8 in the Northern Division.

Ms Williams said that out of the 69 children that are under the care of WOWS Kids Fiji, 10 are currently in palliative care.

“Our youngest is one-year-old and was diagnosed just one month after birth last year,” she said.

“We lose 20 kids on average to childhood cancer annually.”

From the start of this year until now, WOWS Kids Fiji has lost nine children to cancer. Dr Savenaca Seduadua, a doctor working with WOWS Kids Fiji, said leukaemia is the most common type of childhood cancer in Fiji.

“After leukaemia, there is brain tumours, lymphomas and solid tumours in the kidneys or eyes.

“There is also another type of childhood cancer that is called neuroblastoma, which is a tumour of the nerves.

“The causes of cancer in adults can be attributed to lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking or not eating well. However, causes of childhood cancers are never caused by lifestyle and most of the causes are linked to genetics, with a small portion being linked to environmental causes.”

According to WOWS Kids Fiji, some symptoms of childhood cancer are continued, unexplained weight loss, a whitish colour in the eye, constant infections, nausea or vomiting or a lump or mass in the abdomen or neck. Since it is nearly impossible to prevent cancer in children, the best way is to have a prompt, correct diagnosis followed by tailored supportive care.