Where We Keep Hope Alive
CHOC has a national office in Johannesburg, and six regional offices offering services and support to the nine provinces of South Africa.
The regions are demographically positioned to ensure that we reach every child and family battling cancer in South Africa.
Who We Are
CHOC is a non-profit organisation made up of caring, committed and passionate people who stand up for and support the well-being of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life threatening blood disorders and their families.
Why We Exist
CHOC aims to save lives through early detection and making the journey of those who are affected by childhood cancer, less burdensome through the comprehensive support programmes we offer.
What We Offer:
- professional emotional support
- emotional support
- accommodation close to treatment centres
- transport to and from treatment centres
- support groups (including parent supporting parent groups)
- CHOC interactive learning programme and other activities run by volunteers
- transport assistance to ensure every child and caregiver can return for treatment
- nutritional support
Early warning signs
St Siluan’s Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer:
- S – Seek medical help early for ongoing symptoms
- I – White spot in the eye, new squint, sudden blindness or bulging eyeball
- L – Lump on the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, testicle or glands
- U – Unexplained fever present for over two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, pale appearance, easy bruising & bleeding
- A – Aching bones, joints, back and easy fractures
- N – Neurological signs, a change in walk, balance or speech, regression, continuous headaches with / without vomiting & enlarged head
Should you pick up any of these signs
please contact the CHOC help line on 0800 333 555 immediately.
Teenagers, busy with sports and activities, often do not notice the first symptoms of their cancer, or attribute them to other parts of their lifestyle. These are the most common signs to watch out for. If the following symptoms are consistent and unexplained, always see your doctor:
- Aching bones, joints, back and easy fracture
- Lump, bump and swelling
- Significant weight loss
- Extreme tiredness
- Headaches
- Prolonged fever
- White spot in the eye, new squint, new blindness or bulging eye ball
- Change in walk, balance, speech and enlarging head
These signs and symptoms can be difficult to spot amidst the normal bumps, bruises, growth spurts and mood swings. However, early detection is key; by knowing the common signs of cancer in young people, you could help save a life.