Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Common types of childhood cancers and their signs

Cancers in children are rare but aggressive. Knowing the early symptoms—from persistent fever to unusual lumps—can help parents seek timely care and save lives. (Image: Canva)

Paediatric cancer is a rare cancer and has serious symptoms, since it is very different from the type of cancer that occurs in adults. Whereas most adult cancers tend to arise in organs of the body and are associated with lifestyle habits, childhood cancers are derived from developing tissues like blood, brain, bone, and the lymphatic system. These cancers also advance much more rapidly, so early detection and early treatment are crucial to improve outcomes.

The exact causes of childhood cancer are unknown, but thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental influences rather than behaviours such as smoking or diet, which are significant risk factors for adult cancers. Its aggressive course causes alarming symptoms which may be mistaken for those of routine illnesses and a delay in diagnosis.

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Leukaemia, brain tumours, lymphomas and bone cancers are the most prevalent types of childhood cancers. Each has specific signs of alarm, and knowledge of these is crucial for parents and physicians to facilitate early medical care, says Dr Raman Narang, Consultant – Medical Oncology at the CK Birla Hospital , Delhi.

“When diagnosed early and well-treated, the chances of recovery are bright, so vigilance and alertness are key,” says Narang.

1. Leukemia (Blood Cancer)

• Most common childhood cancer, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
• Warning signs: Persistent fever, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding (nose/gums), pale, fatigue, pain in bones/joints, swollen lymph nodes, and enlargement of spleen/liver.

2. Brain and Central Nervous System Tumours

•  Includes medulloblastoma and gliomas, the second most common childhood cancers.
•  Symptoms to look for: Headache upon wakening, vomiting or nausea, blurred vision (double vision), trouble with balance or walking, seizures, personality or school performance changes. In infants, an unusually large head or a bulging soft spot on the head (fontanelle).

3. Lymphomas (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)

•  Begin in the lymphatic system (lymph nodes, spleen, thymus).
•  Symptoms to watch for: Painful lymph node swelling in the neck, underarm, or groin; chest pain or cough; fever; drenching night sweats; and unintentional weight loss.

4. Neuroblastoma

•  Forms from primitive nerve cells, usually in the adrenal gland.
•  Symptoms to watch for: Tummy swelling or mass, bone pain, bruising over the eyes, irritability, and limping.

5. Wilms Tumour (Kidney Cancer)

•  A kidney cancer that is most prevalent in children younger than five years.
•  Symptoms to watch out for: Lump or swelling in the abdomen, abdominal pain, blood in urine, fever, or high blood pressure.

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6. Bone Cancers (Osteosarcoma, Ewing Sarcoma)

•  Develop in growing bones, especially in the legs or arms.
• Symptoms to watch out for: Long-term bone aching (worse at night), swelling or bulge, limping, and limited movement.

7. Retinoblastoma (Eye Cancer)

• A rare retina cancer, usually under the age of five.
• Look for these signs: White reflection in the pupil (instead of red-eye in a photo), squinting, eyesight problems, redness, or swelling of the eye.

Early detection will save lives. Parents should visit a doctor quickly if these symptoms do not go away or get worse.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.