25 September 2025
Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - September marks International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Childhood cancer is one of the leading causes of disease-related deaths among children worldwide, and in South Africa, around 1 000 children are diagnosed each year.
Too many are diagnosed too late, and too many families face this journey without enough support.
Stilfontein mom Rouvierre van Tonder recalls the feeling she experienced sixteen years ago when her four-year-old son was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). “I felt my life had come to a horrible end. That I could not save or protect my child.’’
Tristan who started his first round of chemo on his fourth birthday, however, was a champ through it all. Also, the staff at Oncology on volunteers of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, helped with much needed support every step of the way. After treatment, and lots of prayers, Tristan went into remission that same month. Today, he lives a healthy life as a 20-year-old and with his mom are prepared to give guidance and support to families and children who is going through the same ordeal.
You can contact him on 061 054 7997 or 062 562 2669 if you are going through something similar.
Locally, leukaemia is the most frequently diagnosed childhood cancer, according to the National Cancer Registry. September, globally recognised as Gold September, is focused on raising awareness of childhood cancer. The gold ribbon has become an international symbol of strength, resilience, and hope.
Behind each ribbon lies a personal story, whether of a child, a teenager, a family, a survivor, or a health worker. This year’s campaign reminds us: Every Ribbon Holds a Name. Every Name Holds a Story.
The Department and its partners ask, “Who are you wearing your ribbon for this September?” Raising awareness and promoting early detection are critical in improving survival rates and ensuring better treatment outcomes. Too many children and teenagers are either not diagnosed or are diagnosed too late. The Department urges all citizens to become familiar with the early warning signs of childhood cancer, and to seek medical attention if any signs are observed.
Timely referral to specialised care can save lives. Families affected by childhood cancer face immense psychological, emotional, financial, and logistical challenges. Many experience strain due to travel distances to treatment centres, lack of nearby accommodation, out-of-pocket expenses, and disruptions to family life.
The burden is shared not only by patients, but also by parents, siblings, and caregivers.
As reflected in the global campaign #WeAllLiveIt, when a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family embarks on the journey together.
According to Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC: “Every ribbon is a reminder that no child or teenager should face cancer alone. “At CHOC, we believe in the power of collaboration, and along with the global campaign, CHOC is Inspired to Act. When communities, healthcare professionals, and organisations come together, we can change outcomes.”
In honour of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, all sectors; public, private, community, and individuals, are encouraged to wear the gold ribbon and help raise awareness.
Let us remember the names, share the stories, and commit to ensuring that no child faces cancer alone.
Early warning signs
Seek help for persistent symptoms, Is it an eye change (white spot, squint, blindness, bulging), Look for lumps, Unexplained symptoms (fever, weight loss, fatigue, bleeding, easy bruising), Aching bones and fractures, and Neurological signs (change in walk, balance, speech, headaches, or enlarged head).
