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CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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Spotlight: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month WHAT IS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH??? September is dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer and you can be a part of the month...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

HEALING AND KINDNESS

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 Take a minute and reflect on what healing and kindness means to you??                                                                                      Does this message resonate??                                                                                                                    Have you ever felt like withdrawing ??                                                        Note: This post is not intended to attract pity but to encourage everyone to approach those battling chronic illnesses with greater kindness. For some, healing isn’t just about fixing what is broken or absence of pain; it’s about finding peace, being surrounded by kind people, embracing acceptance, and, most importantly, holding onto hope. "Recently, I spoke with an adult cancer survivor struggling to find her voice amidst the challenges of her journey. Her story resonated with me, reflecting my own struggles. When it was difficult and i was unsure if I was ready to reveal this part of my life&

The Role of Individuals and Communities in Supporting Children with Cancer and Survivors"

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  I recall when I first shared my vision of establishing a childhood cancer survivors network in Nigeria. I understood the vital role that community plays in our lives.  Creating a space where survivors can connect with others who share similar experiences is essential for fostering a sense of belonging. As individuals and as a community, we need to ask ourselves: what roles can we play, and how can we provide meaningful support to patients and survivors of childhood cancer?  Here are some ways you can contribute to making a lasting impact Volunteering : You can volunteer at hospitals, cancer treatment centers, or support organizations like NGOs. You can help with activities, provide companionship to children, or offer their skills, such as tutoring, arts, or music, to improve the child's quality of life. Advocacy and Awareness : You can use your voices to advocate for childhood cancer awareness. Participate in or organize awareness campaigns, share information on social media, and

BREAKING THE SILENCE: DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS

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  ADDRESSING COMMON MYTHS ABOUT CHILDHOOD CANCER Reflecting on my experience as a childhood cancer survivor, I’ve come to recognize how deeply some prevalent myths and misconceptions impacted me. These misunderstandings not only caused unnecessary worry but also led to misinformation about the nature of the disease and its treatment. Such misconceptions can significantly cloud our understanding of childhood cancer, hindering effective support and care for those affected. To address these issues, it's essential to debunk these myths and provide clear, factual information. This improve understanding and addressing these misconceptions can help enhance awareness, improve support systems, and ensure better treatment outcomes for children battling cancer in Nigeria Myth 1 : Childhood cancer is caused by poor parenting or bad behavior. Fact : Childhood cancer is caused by genetic mutations, not by parenting or behavior. Misconceptions like these contribute to stigma and can prevent fami

RESILIENCE BEYOND TREATMENT

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Navigating Life as a Childhood Cancer Survivor in Nigeria Surviving childhood cancer is a testament to incredible resilience and strength. However, the journey doesn’t end when the treatment does. In Nigeria, childhood cancer survivors face numerous challenges that extend beyond the hospital walls. These challenges shape their daily lives and test their resilience in profound ways. As a survivor myself, I understand these hurdles intimately and want to shed light on the realities we face and the strength we find to overcome them. The Financial Burden: An Ongoing Struggle In Nigeria, the financial burden of childhood cancer extends far beyond the final chemotherapy, radiotherapy session, or surgery. Due to inadequate government intervention and the lack of a comprehensive insurance scheme, many families find themselves struggling to afford ongoing medical care and follow-up appointments. This financial strain is overwhelming, as patients and survivors often require regular check-ups and

My Battle with Cancer: A Survivor's Tale

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          Shocking Diagnosis at Eight  🤯🤯 At the tender age of eight, I was confronted with a reality beyond my wildest nightmares: a cancer diagnosis "Burkitt Lymphoma"  The word "cancer" was new and unfamiliar to me, and i had no idea how much my life was about to change. Two Years of Isolation Cancer stole away two precious years of my childhood, keeping me out of school and away from the family, friends and activities I loved. Those years were marked by profound isolation and loneliness. I longed to play with my siblings and peers, but my world was confined to the four walls of hospital, where pain and solitude became my constant companions. Enduring the Pain and Agony of Chemotherapy The chemotherapy sessions were nothing short of agonizing. Delivered through my spinal cord, the treatments left me unable to stand for hours afterward. The relentless nausea and debilitating weakness were battles I faced daily. Losing my hair was a heartbreaking reminder of the

CHILDHOOD CANCER FAQ

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  CHILDHOOD CANCER ? Childhood cancer refers to cancers that occur in children and adolescents, typically under the age of 15. Unlike adult cancers, which are often linked to lifestyle or environmental factors, the causes of childhood cancers are usually unknown and are thought to result from random genetic mutations TYPES OF CHILDHOOD CANCER Common types of childhood cancers include: 1. Leukemia 2. Brain and spinal cord tumors 3. Neuroblastoma 4. Wilms tumor 5. lymphoma 6. Rhabdomyosarcoma 7. Retinoblastoma 8. Bone cancers like osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma