The Paediatric Oncology Unit of the Upper East Regional Hospital recently conducted a sensitisation programme for student nurses at the Nursing Training College in Bolgatanga. This initiative was part of the Unit's activities to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, observed globally in September. The programme aimed to equip student nurses with the knowledge to recognise early warning signs of childhood cancer and provide appropriate health guidance.
Mr. Jonah Awinbe Ayamba, Assistant Manager of the Paediatric Oncology Unit, led the sensitisation programme. He emphasised that student nurses, often mistaken for qualified health professionals due to their uniforms, are in a unique position to provide health advice to community members. The programme sought to empower them with accurate and basic information on childhood cancer warning signs.
During the programme, Mr. Ayamba discussed various signs that may warrant further medical assessment, including unusual lumps or swelling, unexplained weight loss or poor growth, and persistent fever without a clear cause. Other warning signs mentioned included unusual paleness, tiredness or weakness, frequent or unexplained bruising or bleeding, and persistent joint or bone pain. He emphasised that the presence of these signs does not necessarily mean a child has cancer but rather warrants medical evaluation.
Mr. Ayamba also addressed common misconceptions about childhood cancer, clarifying that it is neither contagious nor caused by spiritual forces. He stressed that childhood cancer is not caused by a child's parent or relative and does not only affect adults. The goal was to encourage the student nurses to share accurate health information and direct children and caregivers to appropriate healthcare facilities.
The programme also aimed to caution student nurses against spreading misinformation and encourage them to become "health information multipliers" in their communities. Mr. Ayamba provided the students with contact information for the Paediatric Oncology Unit, enabling them to seek guidance or make referrals when encountering childhood cancer-related concerns.
Mr. Mathias Gnansin, Academic Officer of the Nursing Training College, expressed gratitude to the Paediatric Oncology Unit for extending the awareness campaign to the College. He commended the Unit's leadership for recognising the crucial role of student nurses in the broader healthcare system.
The initiative, part of the "Gold Ribbon Upper East" campaign, aligns with the global theme of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: "Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change. See, Start, Save." The Paediatric Oncology Unit collaborated with the Childhood Cancer Society of Ghana to launch the Hospital's maiden Childhood Cancer Awareness Month initiative.
Key points
- Student nurses in Ghana's Upper East Region are being educated on childhood cancer warning signs.
- The programme aimed to empower student nurses to recognise early warning signs and provide health guidance.
- The initiative seeks to address common misconceptions about childhood cancer and promote accurate health information.
