Three clubs of Lions Clubs International have embarked on a campaign at Pantang and Oyarifa to raise awareness on the need for parents to seek early treatment for their wards living with cancers.
The three clubs: Ebony Lions Club, Adenta Mountain View Lions Club, and Prospective Accra Harmony Lions Club said this is in a bid to reduce the mortality rate of children living with cancers.
"WHO data shows that globally, 300,000 children between ages 0 –19 are diagnosed of cancer annually and out of these cases 80% are found in developing countries.
In a statement, the group expressed worry over the low survival rate of children living with these cancers.
"In Ghana, it is estimated that one in 500 children will get cancer by 15 years of age. Meanwhile, the sad reality is that only about 20-30% of children with cancer in developing countries receive treatment," they said.
The group further stated that out of the number of children who receive treatment, not more than 20% survive because of late presentation, lack of funding, and abandonment of treatment.
Cancers are diseases caused by abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body.
A World Health Organisation (WHO) report revealed that about 80% cases of children living with cancers are found in developing countries.
Although no cure for cancer has been discovered yet, early detection and treatment can significantly improve a person's health.
In a group interview with Oscar Onai, Leroy Ankrah, Majorie Yatimpo, and Kobina Appiah they indicated that it has been the practice of each Lions Club in Ghana to set aside a day in the year to promote awareness on childhood cancer.
According to them, apart from raising awareness on childhood cancer, members of Lions Clubs International are guided by kindness to serve their communities in many other areas whenever a need arises.
It is their hope that their campaign will go a long way to help demystify long-held myths about cancer in children.
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