Tag Archive for: retinoblastoma early diagnosis

A blue question mark hangs in the forefront of the image. In the background, a man in a lab coat holds the end of his stethoscope towards the camera to form the dot of the blue question mark.

Wiki Wiki!: Accelerating Referral for Retinoblastoma and Second Cancers

The Hawaiian word “wiki wiki” means “fast”.  The global wiki culture embodies the urgent collaborative action needed for children with possible retinoblastoma, and survivors with second cancer risk.  Timely diagnosis is the best cure, but referral delays are common worldwide.  WE C Hope CEO Abby White explores common causes, how to avoid them, and speed up referral for optimal care.

View along a vast valley under a dramatic sky. On the left, rocks are strewn in the foreground, and steep rugged hills lie in shadow. Sunlight breaks through dark clouds above, illuminating the verdant valley floor and rolling green hills beyond. A lush oak tree stands prominently in the foreground, its canopy festooned with childhood cancer gold ribbons. A meandering path leads up to the tree and continues into the distance, following the contours of the hills into the misty brightening distance.

Screening for Familial Retinoblastoma and Related Second Primary Cancers

Familial retinoblastoma affects more than one person in a family, and individuals with a heritable RB1 gene mutation have increased cancer risk throughout life. Finding cancer early is vital for the best treatment and outcomes. Revisiting blogs from ocular oncologist Alison Skalet M.D. PhD, and WE C Hope CEO / Rb Survivor, Abby White, we explore screening for high-risk individuals at all stages of life.

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Referral for Possible Retinoblastoma or Second Primary Cancer

Many parents and survivors report signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma and related second cancers to primary care providers. Prompt referral is vital for timely diagnosis and optimal treatment. WE C Hope CEO Abby White explores who needs referral and when, and the key elements of an effective referral process – for children with possible eye cancer, and survivors throughout life.

A young boy sits on his mother’s lap and next to his father while having an eye exam. Both parents help to keep him calm and still. An orthoptist sits about arm’s length away, holding an ophthalmoscope up to her own eye to observe the child's eyes. In her other hand, she holds a brightly coloured rattler toy, encouraging the child to look at her. The ophthalmoscope’s powerful light illuminates the child’s eyes in the dimly lit room. A Snellen chart also glows on the wall behind the family.

Early Detection Saves Lives: Primary Care, Retinoblastoma, and Second Cancers

Primary care providers are pivotal in the timely diagnosis of retinoblastoma and related second cancers.  They are usually the first contact for parents and survivors concerned about signs and symptoms.  WE C Hope CEO Abby White explores their key role, the challenges they face in recognizing signs and securing a swift referral, and the need for education targeting primary care providers.

Three young girls sit one behind the other as they enjoy riding together down a slide. The girl at the back has curly brown hair and wears a light pink sweater. The middle girl has blonde hair and wears a light purple shirt. The girl in front has light brown hair, wears a pink top, and holds a plaid cushion. They are surrounded by green foliage and trees in the background. The sun creates halos around their hair as it blows with their movement down the slide, and blue sky is seen in the top right corner, beyond the trees..

Bridging the Gaps: How Community and Shared Responsibility Create the Best Retinoblastoma Care

Being the parent of a child with retinoblastoma, or living with the effects of this cancer every day, can be a frustrating experience. With an emphasis on our year-long theme of early diagnosis, we look at some of the challenges facing our retinoblastoma world, and for each, three ways we can work together to advance care for everyone.

Close up of a smiling, playful young African boy with a shaved head, who appears to be leaning against a tree. He has big, bright, happy eyes, one of which has a creamy glow in the pupil. He is wearing a light blue sweater. Across the blurred background, bold white text reads "HELP IDENTIFY CHILDHOOD EYE CANCER EARLY".

A Glint or a Squint Could Be Your Hint: Knowledge is Key to Retinoblastoma Early Diagnosis

Critical clues to a child’s eye cancer hide in plain sight. Parent and physician knowledge, and ability to spot these silent signs are vital to early detection, swift referral, and prompt diagnosis. Meet five children from around the world whose parents’ curiosity, nagging concern, and action were pivotal to their diagnosis and life-saving, sight-saving care.

Close-up photo of a young toddler with a blue and white pacifier in their mouth, looking directly at the camera. The right side of the child’s face is bathed in light while the left side is in shadow. The pupil of the right eye has a prominent pearly glow. The blurred background emphasizes the child's face. Overlaying the background, bold white text states "An early diagnosis is the best cure." The word “Cure” is emphasised in a flowing gold script.

Early Diagnosis is the Bedrock of Retinoblastoma Care

Despite advances in retinoblastoma treatment, effective care is challenged globally by delayed diagnosis. Early diagnosis saves lives and improves sight-saving options. Rb survivor and WE C Hope CEO, Abby White, explores common reasons for delayed diagnosis, four pillars needed to achieve routine early diagnosis, and how our One Rb World community is united in this goal.