Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is gaining momentum as experts stress the importance of early detection in improving survival rates among young patients. Prof. Jan Du Plessis and Dr. Mampoi Jonas from the University of the Free State emphasize that recognizing the early signs of cancer can significantly enhance treatment effectiveness and increase survival chances.

Although childhood cancer accounts for just 1.2% of all cancers globally, its incidence is rising. In the United States, cancer is now the leading cause of death among children, and over 100,000 children worldwide succumb to the disease each year. The most common childhood cancers include leukaemia, lymphoma, brain tumours, nephroblastoma, and soft tissue sarcomas.

According to Prof. Du Plessis, early-stage cancers are more responsive to treatment and less likely to be fatal. However, due to the rarity of these cancers, misdiagnosis or late diagnosis is common, which reduces the chances of successful treatment.

“Cancer awareness is crucial for educating families, communities, and healthcare providers about the early warning signs,” says Prof. Du Plessis. “When people know what to look for, they are more likely to seek medical help early, improving the chances of successful treatment.”
Current research in South Africa is focused on standardizing treatment protocols and examining local factors affecting treatment outcomes. The South African paediatric oncology community is engaged in studies on Hodgkin’s lymphoma, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, and germ cell tumours. They are also investigating nutritional interventions to support patient care.

Key Early Warning Signs to Watch For: The Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) outlines several symptoms that could indicate cancer:

• Seek Medical Help Early: For ongoing or worsening symptoms.
• White Spot in the Eye: New squint, sudden blindness, or bulging eyeball.
• Lump: In the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, testicle, or glands.
• Unexplained Fever: Present for over two weeks, along with weight loss, fatigue, pale appearance, easy bruising, and bleeding.
• Aching Bones or Joints: Including easy fractures.
• Neurological Signs: Such as changes in walk, balance, speech, headaches, or an enlarged head.

Early detection is vital. If these symptoms are observed in a child or teen, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly. Raising awareness and educating the public about these early warning signs can save lives.

“Childhood cancer is a journey of resilience, strength, and hope,” notes Prof. Du Plessis. “It’s about more than just treatment; it’s about family, courage, and the simple joys in life.”

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati, India, have discovered that Selegiline, an antidepressant drug, may offer a cost-effective alternative for breast cancer treatment. The research, led by Dr. Asis Bala, reveals that Selegiline, a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, could be repurposed as an anticancer therapeutic.

The team’s findings, published in the journal Medical Oncology, demonstrate that Selegiline interacts with ten genes associated with various cancers. Their preliminary tests on six different cancer cell lines showed Selegiline’s efficacy in targeting both estrogen and progesterone-positive (ER+ & PR+) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. This research group has shown that Selegiline (L-deprenyl), an antidepressant drug from a class of drugs called monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, might be applied as anticancer therapeutics for breast cancer.

Unlike conventional therapies that rely on reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce cell death, Selegiline operates through a different mechanism. It has been shown to inhibit protein kinase C phosphorylation, a process believed to be involved in its cancer-fighting effects.

Selegiline showed integrated networking with genes and diseases of different cancers. It also showed the inhibitory effect of PKC phosphorylation and ROS-independent apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

This novel application of Selegiline marks a significant step forward in cancer research. The study’s results highlight the need for further investigation into the drug’s in vivo efficacy, optimal dosing, and potential side effects. This approach could pave the way for more accessible and affordable breast cancer treatments in the future.

The University of the Free State (UFS) has announced the creation of the Dr. Maye Musk Scholarship, an initiative to support exceptional master’s students pursuing studies in Nutrition or Dietetics. This scholarship aims to bolster the university’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, enhancing its capacity to drive forward research in crucial areas such as maternal and infant nutrition.

The Dr. Maye Musk Scholarship will provide financial assistance to two master’s students each year for a duration of two years. This support is intended to attract and retain top-tier students and contribute to their development as future leaders in the field. Prof. Corinna Walsh of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics says that the scholarship will support groundbreaking research into maternal and infant body composition, which has the potential to transform our understanding of nutritional impacts on health outcomes.

Prof. Francis Petersen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, expressed pride in the university’s association with Dr. Musk. He emphasized that her commitment to fostering education and supporting students is a testament to her dedication to the field and to UFS’s academic excellence.

Dr. Musk, an internationally renowned dietitian who received an honorary doctorate from UFS in April 2023, previously studied at UFS and values her time there for shaping her career. She has expressed that achieving a Doctorate in Dietetics was a culmination of her dedication to nutrition science.

For more details on the scholarship and application process, contact Prof. Walsh at walshcm@ufs.ac.za.