30/09/2025

LYFE TUESDAY | SEPT 30, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

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Gynaecological tumours in children, adolescents o Early awareness, multidisciplinary approach crucial for improving young patients’ quality of life

TO champion environmental and health education among children, the Alpro Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Alpro Group, has launched a new animated series designed to engage children on how to be responsible consumers, starting with something as simple as safe medication disposal. Featuring Oko Lele, the cartoon character with over 3.6 million YouTube subscribers and four billion views worldwide, this series is developed in collaboration with local creative powerhouse Metal Brain Studio. This initiative responds to a growing environmental crisis in Malaysia: the contamination of rivers by improperly disposed pharmaceuticals. Studies by the Department of Environment, Jabatan Alam Sekitar and NAHRIM have detected pharmaceutical compounds such as ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, acetaminophen and hormones in Sungai Gombak, Sungai Lui and Sungai Selangor, posing moderate ecological risks. These substances can disrupt aquatic life and contribute to antibiotic resistance, a global health emergency highlighted by the World Health Organisation. “We believe education should start young and last a lifetime. By having Oko Lele in this animated series, we are delivering health and G YNAECOLOGICAL tumours in children and adolescents are often overlooked in Malaysia. Though rare, ovarian tumours present complex diagnostic, emotional and treatment challenges for young patients, families and healthcare providers. The Malaysian Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology estimates an incidence of about 77.4 per million children under 15, with cancers that differ markedly from those found in adults and respond differently to treatment. Recognising overlooked symptoms parents often miss Though rare, the impact of paediatric gynaecological tumour cases is significant. Most patients are infants to teenagers, with ovarian tumours being most common. Some present with acute pain needing emergency care, but many show subtle signs that can go unnoticed for weeks or months, especially in girls without prior gynaecological issues. Chronic constipation in a previously regular child should raise concern, especially if unresponsive to laxatives or diet. Frequent urination without a urinary tract infection is another warning sign, possibly indicating pelvic mass pressure. Abdominal bloating is another key but often overlooked symptom. Parents or the child might notice vague fullness, hardness or swelling. Sometimes, the child feels a lump or discomfort that is hard to explain. These subtle signs warrant further investigation, usually starting with an ultrasound. Breaking myths, avoiding delays A major barrier to timely diagnosis is the lack of awareness among the public and medical practitioners. There is a misconception that children do not get gynaecological tumours, especially prepubertal girls. When teenagers show symptoms, it is often misattributed to infections or sexual activity, delaying proper intervention. Systemic delays: patient-related, like fear of negative news or seeking alternative treatments, and physician-related, where GPs and some paediatricians may not know the correct referral pathway. A child with a suspected tumour should be seen and managed primarily by a paediatric oncologist. Beyond tumour: Preserving child’s future While fertility preservation is important, it must never come at the expense of a child’s survival, tumour treatment takes priority. Older girls may delay treatment by two weeks to preserve eggs, in younger girls, ovarian tissue

Chronic constipation in a previously regular child should raise concern.

More attention is being given to the often-overlooked issue of gynaecological tumours in children and adolescents.

teams. Health Ministry guidelines still define paediatric care as up to age 12, but most gynaecological tumours occur in teenagers. When a child presents with a gynaecological tumour, coordinated care becomes crucial. A multidisciplinary team approach addresses all aspects of the child’s wellbeing. The paediatric oncologist usually serves as the gatekeeper. From there, the team is then co-ordinated to involve paediatric surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, psychologists or psychiatrists, social workers, play therapists and increasingly, adolescent and fertility gynaecologists. Advice to families: Do not delay treatment. If you need a second opinion, seek it from a qualified medical practitioner. Most importantly, choose a centre that sees your child as more than a tumour. This article is contributed by Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City consultant paediatric surgeon Dr Shona Alison Edmonds.

than managing disease. It includes emotional and family support. Caring for the children’s development requires care beyond the tumour itself, highlighting the importance of psychological support during and after treatment, as peers and professionals help children cope with trauma. It is also important to note the need for awareness that any health conditions or cancers in children should involve paediatric care

cryopreservation offers hope. While not yet common in Malaysia due to the low number of cases, awareness is growing. More parents are asking about their child’s future fertility. That is why we need fertility specialists involved from the start. Improving outcomes through collaboration, specialist paediatric care Supporting long-term wellbeing involves more environmental education in a way children love and remember,” said Alpro Foundation CEO Ostwin Paw. The Alpro x Oko Lele Safe Medication Disposal series is designed to be an evergreen content – suitable for continuous use at homes, schools, clinics and public awareness campaigns. It combines vibrant animation, child-friendly storytelling and science-backed facts to make learning about safe medication disposal both engaging and impactful. “Many parents and children do not realise that throwing medicine into the bin or flushing it down the toilet can pollute our rivers and water supply. That is why we need to share this early and Oko Lele makes it fun, interesting,” said Alpro Pharmacy chief pharmacist Lim En Ni. Alpro Foundation invites schools, kindergartens, public health events and community groups to screen the Alpro x Oko Lele Safe Medication Disposal series as part of their educational efforts. The message should start at home too. Parents are encouraged to play a role by showing the video to their children and starting simple conversations about health, safety and protecting the environment. Building a responsible generation is everyone’s responsibility and it begins with awareness.

Foundation initiates safe medication disposal campaign in Malaysia

Paw (third from left), Alpro Pharmacy branding manager Mindy Leong (right) and Universiti Teknologi Mara lecturers promoting safe medication disposal recently.