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🎈 Men's Health

Childhood Cancers in Nigeria

Recognising, treating and supporting children with cancer in Nigeria

Childhood cancers (cancers in children under 18 years) represent a distinct group of malignancies with very different biology and treatment responses compared to adult cancers. In high-income countries, 80%+ of childhood cancers are cured. In Nigeria, survival rates are dramatically lower — largely because children present late (after symptoms have been present for months), abandonment of treatment due to cost, and limited specialist paediatric oncology services. The most common childhood cancers in Nigeria are Burkitt's lymphoma, nephroblastoma (Wilm's tumour), retinoblastoma, and acute leukaemia.

Signs and Symptoms

✓ Burkitt's lymphoma (most common childhood cancer in Nigeria): rapidly growing jaw swelling (particularly in endemic malaria zones), abdominal tumour, fever
✓ Nephroblastoma (Wilm's tumour): painless abdominal swelling in a child under 5 — often noticed by the parent during bathing
✓ Retinoblastoma: white pupil reflex (leukocoria) — white instead of red in flash photograph; squinting; red painful eye
✓ Leukaemia: pallor, easy bruising, bleeding, recurrent infections, bone pain, enlarged lymph nodes, hepatosplenomegaly
✓ Brain tumour: persistent morning headache with vomiting, balance problems, squinting, seizures, behaviour change

Risk Factors

When to Seek Help

ImmediateAny child with a white pupil reflex — retinoblastoma grows rapidly and spreads to the brain; same-week ophthalmology referral can save the eye and life; any abdominal mass in a child — same-week paediatric referral
UrgentRapidly growing jaw or abdominal mass; child with unexplained pallor and easy bruising; child with persistent morning headache and vomiting
All childhood tumoursGet to a paediatric oncology centre as soon as possible — delay allows metastasis; Burkitt's lymphoma can double in size in 24-48 hours

Tests & Diagnosis

🧪 FBC, blood film, LDH, uric acid
For leukaemia — blast cells on blood film; for Burkitt's lymphoma — very high LDH and uric acid indicating rapid cell turnover
🧪 Bone marrow biopsy and trephine
For leukaemia diagnosis and staging
🧪 Abdominal ultrasound
Identifies kidney tumour (Wilm's), retroperitoneal mass, or hepatomegaly
🧪 CT chest, abdomen, pelvis
Staging imaging for most solid childhood tumours
🧪 LDH and uric acid
Tumour lysis syndrome risk stratification — Burkitt's lymphoma has extremely high cell turnover; requires prophylaxis before chemotherapy

Treatment Options

1
Burkitt's lymphoma
COALL or COP/COPAD chemotherapy — highly chemosensitive; 80%+ complete response rates even in advanced disease; treatment should start within days of diagnosis; available at paediatric oncology units
2
Nephroblastoma (Wilm's tumour)
Pre-operative chemotherapy (vincristine + actinomycin D) → surgery (nephrectomy) → post-operative chemotherapy; 80%+ survival with modern treatment
3
Retinoblastoma
Depends on stage and whether hereditary; intra-arterial or IV chemotherapy; cryotherapy or laser; enucleation (removal of the eye) for advanced disease; treatment in Nigeria at LASUTH, UCH, JUTH
4
Acute leukaemia
Multiagent chemotherapy over 2-3 years; supportive care with blood products, antibiotics; bone marrow transplant in some relapsed cases — very limited in Nigeria
5
Financial support
Childhood Cancer Initiative Nigeria (CCI), Children Living With Cancer Foundation (CLC), and some international charities provide financial support; ask at paediatric oncology departments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is childhood cancer curable in Nigeria?
Yes — Burkitt's lymphoma, Wilm's tumour, and early retinoblastoma are highly curable even in Nigerian settings with available treatment. The challenge is late presentation and treatment abandonment due to cost. Survival rates of 50-70% are achievable at Nigerian paediatric oncology centres.
What is the white pupil reflex in retinoblastoma?
Leukocoria (white pupil) is the most common sign of retinoblastoma — the tumour filling the eye reflects white instead of the normal red in a camera flash photograph. Any child showing a white pupil in photographs should be seen by an ophthalmologist within days.
Can I see the white pupil reflex in everyday photos?
Yes — using a smartphone camera without red-eye correction enabled; take a flash photo in a slightly darkened room; compare both eyes; a white (not red) reflection in one eye is a red flag. Several apps are available for retinoblastoma screening using this principle.
Where are paediatric oncology centres in Nigeria?
Major paediatric oncology centres: LASUTH (Lagos), UCH Ibadan (major centre), LUTH Lagos, ABUTH Zaria, UNTH Enugu, JUTH Jos. The Children Cancer Foundation supports treatment access. Many rural children must travel far for care.
Are there support groups for childhood cancer families in Nigeria?
Yes — Children Living With Cancer Foundation (CLC) Nigeria, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Nigeria chapter, and COPE (Cancer Outreach, Prevention, and Education) Nigeria provide financial aid, psychosocial support, and patient navigation services.

Related Pages

Prostate Cancer Screening in NigeriaCancer Treatment Options in NigeriaCervical Cancer & HPV in NigeriaBreast Cancer Screening in Nigeria

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