September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, the focus is on the early detection of retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer that primarily affects children under the age of five. Medical experts are urging parents to prioritize regular eye check-ups for their children to ensure the timely detection of this potentially life-threatening condition.
Retinoblastoma develops in the retina, the part of the eye responsible for vision. If left untreated, it can lead to the loss of vision or even prove fatal. To diagnose the disease, doctors examine the back of the eye, specifically the pupil and retina, for any signs of tumors.
Festus Njuguna, a pediatric oncologist at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, highlights the importance of early detection in battling retinoblastoma. He explains that the cancer can be hereditary or sporadic, with the latter being more aggressive and requiring immediate attention.
In cases where the tumor is small, laser therapy can be used as a treatment. This involves using high-energy lights to freeze and destroy the cancer cells. Chemotherapy is also an option, often used in conjunction with laser therapy. However, if the tumor has grown larger and is causing the eye to bulge with white reflections, surgery becomes necessary. This involves the removal of the entire eye, followed by additional therapy.
Dr. Njuguna emphasizes that if the cancer is not removed at an advanced stage, chemotherapy alone will not effectively eliminate all the cancer cells. Cancer can spread to the brain, and as the tumor grows, it exerts pressure on the limited space within the skull, leading to potentially fatal consequences.
He encourages parents to be vigilant about their children’s eye health and seek specialized medical attention if they notice anything abnormal. Although there may be a shortage of eye specialists in the country, efforts are being made to enhance medical education for healthcare workers and improve identification and referral pathways.
The Ministry of Health has also taken measures to improve the diagnosis of retinoblastoma, including strengthening collaboration between maternity and child-friendly departments. National guidelines for the disease were developed in 2019, aiming to save lives, preserve eyesight, and raise awareness to prevent unnecessary eye removal surgeries.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, Kenya reports approximately 100 cases of retinoblastoma each year. The timely detection of this condition through regular eye check-ups can significantly improve outcomes for affected children.
In conclusion, raising awareness about retinoblastoma and the importance of early detection is crucial during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Parents must prioritize their children’s eye health by scheduling regular eye check-ups with specialists. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the impact of retinoblastoma can be minimized, saving lives and preserving eyesight for the future generation.
