"Childhood cancer is not a death sentence" - Dr. Nihad Salifu

Dr. Nihad Salifu, a pediatric oncologist at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), has issued a compelling call for heightened community awareness and early detection in the fight against childhood cancer.

“Childhood cancer is not a death sentence. Early detection is the difference between life and loss,” Dr. Salifu said during a courtesy call by Ridge Hospital to the Adabraka Atukpai Stool Authority on Wednesday to engage traditional leaders to champion childhood cancer awareness.

The visit, led by top management, formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community engagement and raise awareness about the early signs of childhood cancer, particularly within traditional and local leadership structures.

Dr. Salifu stressed the importance of public vigilance and knowledge of common warning signs.

One such sign, she explained, is a whitish glow in a child’s eye — a possible indicator of retinoblastoma, a common eye cancer in children under six.

Another red flag is a firm or unusual swelling in a child’s abdomen, which may signal Wilms’ tumor, a kidney cancer.

“These signs often show up during everyday routines like bathing or dressing the child. But many families wait too long before seeking medical help,” she warned.

She added that while childhood cancers are not typically caused by lifestyle or environmental factors and are often unpreventable, they are highly curable when identified and treated early.

To expand access to timely care, the Ministry of Health has established nine specialized childhood cancer treatment centers across the country — including at Ridge, Korle Bu, and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals.

These are complemented by CHPS compounds that serve as entry points for referrals.

“A child can now move from the community level straight into treatment without delay,” Dr. Salifu said.

“That seamless care pathway is saving lives.”

As part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Ministry and its partners are also distributing short educational videos and materials through platforms like WhatsApp, aimed at empowering parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community members.

“We need everyone — pastors, imams, market women, assemblymen — to be part of this campaign,” she said. “Recognizing symptoms early and acting fast can save a child’s life.”

“Children who survive cancer can go on to live healthy, meaningful lives. But we must catch it early. That’s where all of us come in.”

On her part, Naa Korkor Andzieoyi I, Queen Mother of the Adabraka Atukpai Stool Authority, stressed the urgent need for community-wide education on childhood cancer.

She highlighted that a lack of understanding continues to hinder early detection and treatment in many households.

"We are not taking cancer seriously because we don’t understand it,” she said.

“If we knew the effects, we would act faster and seek help immediately.”

Queen Mother Andzieoyi I emphasized the critical role of awareness, particularly among market women and other grassroots groups.

She recalled previous advocacy efforts during the “Yellow Month” campaign, where many women initially arrived late and confused — but later grasped the message after a simple role-play demonstration.

“Once we dramatized the symptoms, everyone understood. That’s how powerful education can be,” she noted.

“So when you launch this cancer awareness initiative, let’s take it to the markets. Our women are leaders too. When they understand, they’ll spread the word.”

She also underscored the unique vulnerability of children, explaining that unlike adults, children cannot clearly articulate pain or discomfort — making it even more important for parents and caregivers to be aware of silent symptoms such as eye changes or abdominal swelling.

“A child cannot say what is hurting. We, the adults, must learn to see the signs,” she said.

The Queen Mother praised Ridge Hospital for the progress made in eye care services within the community and welcomed the hospital’s ongoing efforts to offer treatment for childhood cancers. She pledged the support of the traditional authority in mobilizing the community.

“In our community, awareness is still low. But now that Ridge Hospital is offering treatment, we will do our part. We will advocate and educate. The message must go out that medical care is now accessible and lives can be saved.”

She revealed plans to engage all three major markets in the area as focal points for outreach, ensuring that vendors and customers alike understand the warning signs of childhood cancers — particularly those affecting the eyes and kidneys.

“We will call the people. We will explain to them what childhood cancer is, and why it is different from adult sicknesses. The pain a child feels may be silent — but deadly if ignored.”

The visit is part of Ridge Hospital’s ongoing collaboration with traditional authorities to enhance early detection and community support in the fight against childhood cancer.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith