Welcome to another episode of ‘Circling The Rabbit Hole’ podcast. Today, we endeavor to shed light on a critical, often overlooked issue and as many of you can probably attest, a conversation not had often enough here in Africa; Childhood Cancers.
September being Childhood Cancer Awareness month, I am joined by a very special guest, 16-year-old ovarian cancer survivor, Lauren Neema, who has recently been confirmed as cancer-free! 🎉 She bravely comes on to share her journey battling ovarian cancer diagnosed at age 15. She shares a bit about the challenges of adjusting to life after such a game-changer of a diagnosis and how she found strength in her love for art and the guitar.
Dr. Rose Munge, the paediatric oncologist who treated Lauren, also joins us in the discussion. Together, we highlight the need for increased awareness of teenage and childhood cancers, the importance of early diagnosis, treatment and the need for better support systems for young people diagnosed with cancer.
While most awareness campaigns focus on adult cancers, Lauren's story reminds us that cancer doesn't discriminate by age, and young people like her are also in this fight. In this conversation, we offer valuable insights into the specific medical and emotional needs of young patients, emphasising how critical it is to broaden the conversation beyond adult cancers.
Join us in raising awareness for these young fighters, and learn more about how you can support the cause.
Lauren Neema is a passionate and self-driven Form Three student with a love for music and the arts. With her guitar in hand, she expresses her creativity through melodies and lyrics, often finding inspiration in her everyday experiences. Lauren has a natural talent for drawing, creating vibrant pieces that reflect her unique perspective on the world around her. She balances her academic pursuits with her artistic passions, always striving to grow and learn. Whether strumming her guitar or sketching her next masterpiece, Lauren embodies dedication and creativity, inspiring those around her.
She was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer stage one in December 2023 and started chemotherapy in January 2024. She underwent an aggressive regimen of 6 cycles of chemo each lasting 21 days and concluded her treatment in May, 2024. She is now embarking on her journey to full recovery and wellness with lots of positivity and is grateful to the doctors, nurses, family and Almighty God for how far she has come.
Dr. Rose Munge is a paediatrician and renowned paediatric haematologist and oncologist at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral abd Research Hospital.
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