Bugando raises alarm over rising eye cancer cases

MWANZA: FOLLOWING a concerning rise in cases of retinoblastoma, a rare but serious eye cancer affecting children under the age of five, medical experts at Bugando Zonal Referral Hospital are urging parents to seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of eye abnormalities in their children.

Speaking during the ongoing Retinoblastoma Awareness Week commemorations, Dr Evarista Mgaya, an eye specialist at the hospital, said symptoms of the disease include a white reflection in the eye (often seen in photographs), squinting, redness, watery eyes and unequal eye size.

“We are seeing a worrisome increase in retinoblastoma cases. Last year, we treated 27 children and we have already recorded 17 cases this year, that’s roughly four new cases every month,” said Dr Mgaya, adding that unfortunately many parents first resort to traditional herbs and by the time they reach the hospital, the cancer has often progressed significantly.

Dr Mgaya explained that retinoblastoma is a malignant tumour that typically develops at the back of the eye.

If not diagnosed and treated early, the tumour can cause the eyeball to protrude from its socket. In severe cases, the cancer can spread inward to affect the optic nerve and brain, potentially resulting in epilepsy, mental health complications, or even death.

“About 45 per cent of cases are genetically linked. But the key message is that this disease is treatable, even curable, if caught early,” he added.

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Bugando Hospital, in collaboration with its Cancer Department, is ramping up public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the importance of early detection and treatment.

Parents of current patients at the hospital shared their stories, urging others not to repeat their mistakes.

Mr Ahmad Ally, from Kigoma Region, expressed deep regret over delaying professional care for his fouryear-old son.

“I relied on traditional remedies for a month, but when my son’s eye began to bulge, I realised things were getting worse,” he said.

“I blame myself and also the older people in my community who told me they knew how to treat it. I’m grateful the regional hospital referred us here in time.” Ms Aneth Emmanuel from Kagera Region, shared a similar experience involving her three-year-old son.

“I noticed a white reflection in his eye, but I kept buying over-the-counter medication from a local pharmacy, thinking it was a minor infection. I never imagined it would end in surgery,” she said.

“My son has now lost his natural eye and lives with an artificial one.” Health officials at Bugando continue to emphasise that early screening and awareness are vital in saving lives and preserving vision in children.