MWANZA, May 26 -- A SILENT but deadly eye cancer is creeping into the lives of Tanzanian children and many parents dont even know it until its too late.

At Bugando Zonal Referral Hospital in Mwanza, specialists are sounding the alarm over a sharp increase in cases of retinoblastoma, a rare but dangerous eye cancer affecting children under five.

The disease, which begins as a swelling behind the eyeball, is both aggressive and potentially fatal if left untreated.

“We are seeing more cases than ever. Last year we treated 27 children and this year we have already recorded 17,” said Dr Evarista Mgaya, an eye specialist at Bugando.

“That means at least four new cases every month and many arrive too late.” For instan...