Gold September: Every ribbon holds a name, every name holds a story

September, globally recognised as Gold September, is dedicated to raising awareness of childhood cancer.

The gold ribbon has become an international symbol of strength, resilience, and hope. Behind each ribbon lies a personal story – of a child, a teenager, a family, a survivor, or a health worker. As this year’s campaign reminds us: Every Ribbon Holds a Name. Every Name Holds a Story.

The Department of Health and its partners ask: “Who are you wearing your ribbon for this September?”

South Africa supports the WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), which aims to raise survival rates by 2030 through improved diagnosis, treatment, and care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

The Department of Health, in collaboration with stakeholders including the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (SAAPHO), the National Cancer Registry (NCR), CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC), and the World Health Organisation (WHO), is calling on citizens to wear the gold ribbon and show their support.

Worldwide, about 400,000 new childhood cancer cases are diagnosed annually, with around 1,000 in South Africa. According to the National Cancer Registry, leukaemia is the most frequently diagnosed childhood cancer locally.

Early warning signs

The Department of Health urges all South Africans to become familiar with the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer:

• Persistent fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bone pain
• Swelling or lumps
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If any of these signs are observed, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Timely referral to specialised care can save lives.

Voices of support

"We're inspired to act," said Mr. Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC. "When communities, healthcare professionals, and organisations come together, we can change outcomes."

Professor Gita Naidu, Chair of SAAPHO, emphasised the importance of ongoing support for families affected by childhood cancer, who often face immense psychological, emotional, financial, and logistical challenges.

The WHO country representative for South Africa, Ms. Shenaaz El-Halabi, added: "Behind every childhood cancer diagnosis is a child with dreams, a family filled with hope, and a community that can make a difference."

Join the movement this September and show your support for children and teenagers living with cancer. Wear the gold ribbon and help make a difference in their lives.