A 10-month-old baby is the youngest of the 64 children currently receiving support from WOWS Kids Fiji, highlighting the need for parents to recognise the early signs of childhood cancer.
Speaking at the launch of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 2026, WOWS Kids Fiji board member Anabel Ali says the organisation is currently caring for 64 children battling cancer across Fiji, including 43 boys and 21 girls.
Ali says WOWS Kids Fiji has lost five children since January this year and sees around 30 new childhood cancer cases annually.
She says the number of children affected by childhood cancer could be higher, as some cases may be managed directly through hospitals or private institutions.
She says the focus of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is to educate parents, caregivers, teachers, and communities about the early warning signs of childhood cancer and the importance of seeking medical attention early.
INSERT: Ali on early detection 30th July
Ali says Fiji launches Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in August, a month ahead of the global campaign in September, to give more people an opportunity to learn about the warning signs of childhood cancer and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
She says WOWS Kids Fiji is not a medical organisation but works alongside health professionals to ensure children and their families receive the support they need throughout treatment.
She says the organisation assists families with transport, medical supplies when hospitals are unable to provide them, nutritional support, counselling, educational assistance, and private tutoring for children who are away from school during treatment.
Ali says the organisation also supports caregivers, an aspect that is often overlooked, through food assistance, counselling, laundry services, and opportunities for self-care.
She stresses that early detection can make a difference, noting that some children have recovered after receiving timely treatment.
She is urging parents and communities to pay attention to changes in children and seek medical advice as soon as concerns arise.
