Texila Calls for Cancer Vigilance

Families urged to watch for symptoms and seek timely care

Lusaka, Zambia24, (September 4, 2025) — Texila American University Zambia has called for stronger public vigilance on childhood cancers, warning that many children’s lives are being lost due to late detection.

Dr. Amit Singh, Dean of the School of Medicine, said September — recognized globally as Leukemia, Lymphoma and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — should be used to intensify education and awareness efforts. 

He stressed that cancers such as retinoblastoma (cancer of the eyes), Wilms tumor (cancer of the kidneys), leukemia (cancer of the blood) and lymphomas are among the most common in children, but can be treated successfully if diagnosed early.

“Awareness gives us the opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. Singh said.

 “If families and communities recognize the warning signs early and seek medical attention, we can significantly improve survival rates.”

He explained that childhood cancers often present with symptoms such as persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, unusual swellings or persistent bone pain. 

He urged parents, teachers and guardians to take these signs seriously rather than dismissing them as minor illnesses.

Dr. Singh emphasized that awareness should not be confined to September alone. He called on schools, community groups and health institutions to play a proactive role in spreading knowledge about cancer symptoms and the importance of screening.

“With early screening and timely intervention, many young lives can be saved from the devastating impact of cancer,” he said, appealing for continuous public sensitization campaigns across the country.