Around 20 to 30 children are diagnosed with cancer in Fiji each year, with health authorities warning that many children are still presenting for treatment at an advanced stage of the disease.
Speaking during the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month programme at Communication Fiji Limited, paediatric oncologist Dr Raynold Waisale says childhood cancer remains a significant health issue, despite cancer often being associated with adults.
The World Health Organization estimates that around 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer globally every year.
Dr Waisale says about 14 new cases have been recorded at CWM Hospital since the beginning of this year, while 15 children are currently receiving chemotherapy at CWM, five at Lautoka's Aspen Medical Centre and one at Labasa Hospital.
He says Fiji also provides treatment for children from other Pacific island countries, including Tuvalu, Kiribati and Vanuatu.
The most common childhood cancers seen in Fiji include leukaemia, lymphoma, bone cancers such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, brain tumours, kidney cancer, and eye cancer.
Dr Waisale is urging parents and caregivers to be alert to possible warning signs, including unexplained or easy bruising, uncontrolled bleeding, headaches accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, persistent fevers, unexplained weight loss and changes in vision.
He says these symptoms can often resemble common childhood illnesses, which can make childhood cancer difficult to identify early.
Dr Waisale says parents should return to a health facility if their child's symptoms persist despite treatment.
He says cancer is often considered later in the diagnostic process because doctors initially treat more common childhood illnesses and infections.
The referral pathway usually begins with parents and caregivers recognising warning signs and taking the child to the nearest health centre.
Depending on the child's condition and the suspected cancer, investigations can include blood tests, radiological examinations and, where necessary, a bone marrow aspiration before referral to paediatric oncology services.
Dr Waisale says one of the biggest challenges in treating childhood cancer is late presentation.
Insert: Dr Waisale - Late presentation is always a challenge Sept 30
Dr Waisale says treatment options available in Fiji include surgery and chemotherapy, with chemotherapy provided free of charge through the Government's oncology services.
He also highlighted the important role of non-government organisations and other partners in supporting children and their families throughout the cancer journey.
WOWS Kids Fiji is among the key organisations supporting paediatric cancer patients, including by helping with transportation costs for families travelling from remote and maritime communities.
Dr Waisale says children receiving treatment come from areas including Lau, Namosi, Naitasiri, Serua and Nadroga.
He recalled the case of a child from Totoya who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2024 and spent about 11 months in hospital, including Christmas and New Year, before becoming stable enough to travel between home and hospital for treatment.
WOWS helped cover boat fares for the child to travel between Totoya and Fiji for chemotherapy.
Dr Waisale says such support helps health professionals focus on treatment while making the cancer journey more manageable for children and their families.
September is observed internationally as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, while November is dedicated to National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Dr Waisale says the awareness campaign is an opportunity to remind families that cancer can affect children of any age, from newborns to teenagers, and that recognising warning signs and seeking medical attention early can play an important role in their care.
