🏥 Why This Matters in Africa

Wilms’ tumour is one of the most common childhood cancers in sub-Saharan Africa, and in Nigeria. Sadly, many children are brought to the hospital too late, which lowers their chances of survival. But with awareness, early diagnosis, and early treatment, survival is possible.

 

🧠 What Do the Kidneys Do?

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdomen. They help:

• Remove waste and extra fluid from the blood.
• Make urine.
• Control blood pressure.
• Keep body chemicals balanced.

 

⚠️ Warning Signs and Symptoms

🩺 See a doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your child:

 

• A painless swelling or lump in the belly, often on one side.
• Fever (persistent or unexplained).
• Abdominal pain or discomfort.
• Constipation or difficulty passing stool.
• Large, swollen veins visible across the stomach.
• Blood in the urine (may look pink or red).
• Tiredness or weakness (fatigue).
• Recurrent or persistent headaches
• Loss of appetite.
• Unexplained and persistent weight loss.
• Symptoms of anemia (pale skin, weakness).
• Frequent urinary tract infections (painful urination or wetting).

 

🔬 How is Wilms’ Tumour Diagnosed?

Doctors use the following methods to confirm the presence of cancer in the kidney:

• Physical examination – feeling the belly for lumps.
• Ultrasound or Computed Tomographic (CT) scan – to view the kidneys, for the location, size and the extent of spread of the cancer
• Blood and urine tests – to check kidney function.
• Biopsy – sometimes needed to confirm the type of cancer. it is a medical procedure in which a tiny piece of tissue is taken from the body and examined under a microscope. It helps doctors confirm the exact type of cancer that the child has.

 

🧠What is staging in Wilms’ tumour and why It matters

 

Staging is a way of classifying how far the cancer has spread in the body of the child. It helps doctors decide the best treatment plan and to understand the likely outcome of treatment. Wilms’ tumour has 5 stages which are:

 

🟢 Stage 1 – Easy to remove

The cancer is only in one kidney and hasn't spread beyond the kidney. Doctors can remove it completely with surgery.

 

🟡 Stage 2-  Spread a little 

The cancer has grown just outside the kidney, but it can still be completely removed with surgery.

 

🟠 Stage 3 – Spread to organs close to the kidney

The cancer has spread to nearby organs and structures like lymph nodes and diaphragm. At this stage, some cancer cells may be left behind after surgery.

 

🔴 Stage 4 – Spread far away

The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, brain or bones.

 

🔵 Stage 5 – Both kidneys are involved

The cancer is found in the two kidneys

 

💊 Treatment Options

Wilms’ tumour is treated with a combination of methods, depending on the stage of the cancer. The different methods are:

1. Surgery
   • The tumour and sometimes the affected kidney is removed through a surgical procedure.
2. Chemotherapy
   • Strong medicines given by injection or mouth to kill cancer cells.
   • Often used alongside surgery. It can be given before or after surgery.
3. Radiation therapy
   • High-energy rays used in some cases to destroy remaining cancer cells. This therapy is usually given after the tumour is removed to destroy cancer cells that are left after surgery. 

 

💞 Caring for a Child with Wilms’ Tumour

What Parents Can Do:

• Make sure your child receives care at a health facility that is properly equipped to provide the treatment and the support they need.
• Follow all medical instructions and attend all clinic appointments.
• Give medicines as prescribed – do not stop halfway.
• Do not rely on traditional or herbal remedies – they can delay life-saving care.
• Offer your child emotional support – love, comfort, and normal play are important.
• Be patient and gentle, especially during treatments that may cause side effects.

 

Self-Care Tips for Children:

• Rest after treatments.
• Eat healthy, nutritious food.
• Drink fluids regularly.
• Let your child express emotions – sadness, fear, or anger are normal.
• Watch for side effects and inform your doctor.

 

🧪 Can Wilms’ Tumour Be Prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent Wilms’ tumour. It is not caused by anything a parent did or didn’t do.

However, early detection improves survival. This includes:

• Regular physical check-ups.
• Screening with ultrasound in children with a family history or birth defects.
• Prompt medical attention if any symptoms appear.

 

✅ Good News

 Wilms’ tumour is one of the curable cancers in children. The chances of survival are much higher when it is diagnosed early, treatment begins promptly, and the child completes the full course of the recommended care. 

 

💛 💛 A message for parents with a child diagnosed with cancer

 

Hearing the words "your child has cancer" is one of the most devastating things any parent can face. It brings a wave of fear, sadness, anger, and uncertainty, emotions that no parent should have to experience. The journey ahead is not easy. The treatment process can be tough not only on your child, but also on you, their siblings, and the entire family.

Beyond the physical toll, it affects your routines, relationships, and emotional well-being. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, helpless, or even lost at times.

 

That’s why it’s so important to remember: you are not alone. Support matters, deeply. You and your family deserve comprehensive care that extends beyond medicine. This includes psychological counseling, social support, emotional comfort, and if needed, spiritual guidance. These forms of care help ease the heavy emotional burden and offer strength, clarity, and hope, not just during treatment, but long after it ends.

 

Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of love and strength,  for your child and for yourself. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your care team, support groups, or counselors. There is a whole community ready to walk with you through this, hand in hand.