World Child Cancer Day
A white pupil reflecting in a child's photo is a sign of eye cancer.
February 15 is World Child Cancer Day.
I remember the first time realizing I was a child who survived cancer.
Since my early teens I have been accustomed to completing the section of the medical forms that ask for information on prior surgeries and existing conditions. As usual I described my history, indicating I had retinoblastoma (RB) – a cancer of the eye that affects children usually before the age of 4.
During a physical as an adult, a nurse commented that I survived cancer.
I remember she had to repeat it because I looked sort of stunned. “You obviously survived cancer!” she said implying I should be proud of this fact.
“Uh, yes I did.” I responded.
Although I knew Retinoblastoma was a cancer…, I never focused on the fact that I had what could have been for me a deadly disease. I didn’t consider myself a survivor; I was just a kid who had RB as a child.
I’m sure my parents feared for the worst, but even in 1968 my odds of survival were greater than those outside of the US; I was fortunate. Not necessarily lucky to be born with mutations on my RB1 gene, but rather for the early intervention, proper diagnosis and privilege of living in the city where one of the premier RB specialist practiced.
While there are children in the US and other “first World” countries who do not survive this disease, children in developing countries throughout Africa, Latin America and Asia have a significantly greater chance of being overtaken by the illness.
What helps?
Like most cancers, early detection and proper diagnosis is crucial to saving vision and lives.
From the Daisy’s Eye Cancer Fund (DECF):
The most common early sign of retinoblastoma is a white glow in the affected eye (leukocoria), seen in flash photographs. When the cancer fills the eye, this reflection may be visible to the naked eye in dim light.
Stay tuned for more information about DECF and some interesting things this organization is doing around the world.
In the meantime, check out the website and while you’re there please, read Rati’s
Story.
Information saves lives, share this!