Leukaemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, makes up nearly half of all paediatric cancer cases in India. Every year, over 50,000 children in the country are diagnosed with cancer, and a large portion are leukaemia cases. The most common type, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), tends to strike children between the ages of 2 and 10.
However, if detected early, the chances of survival are now over 80%, even reaching 90% in some cases, says Pediatric Oncologist Dr Gauri Kapoor, Medical Director, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC), New Delhi, who also heads Paediatric Hematology and Oncology at RGCIRC. “Medical advances in diagnostics, targeted therapies and drug delivery have made treatment more effective and outcomes brighter than ever before,” she adds.
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The trouble is, early signs of leukaemia are often subtle, even misleading. A fever that lingers. Tiredness mistaken for laziness. A nosebleed passed off as dry weather. “Because these signs reflect common illnesses, diagnosis is often delayed,” Dr Kapoor told Moneycontrol. “But childhood leukaemia is aggressive and fast-moving. Timely intervention is crucial.” If symptoms don’t go away with routine treatment or seem to pile up together, it’s time to dig deeper. “Parents need to trust their instincts and consult a specialist when things feel off,” she adds.
The important symptoms of childhood leukaemia parents must not ignore:
According to Dr Kapoor, here are the most important red flags
- Persistent fever without reason: A fever that hangs on for days – or keeps coming back – may be your first red flag. Unlike the flu, it resists standard meds.
- Paleness and constant tiredness: Children with leukaemia may look unusually pale and seem exhausted, due to low red blood cell counts. Don’t dismiss it as weakness or skipped meals.
- Unexplained bruises or bleeding: Notice bruises that appear out of nowhere? Frequent nosebleeds? Bleeding gums? These could signal a shortage of healthy platelets in the blood.
- Aching joints or bones: What sounds like “growing pains” might be something far more serious. If pain persists and disrupts sleep or activity, investigate further.
- Swollen lymph nodes or belly: A swollen neck, groin or stomach could be due to enlarged lymph nodes, liver or spleen – a common sign in leukaemic children.
- Long-term weight loss or lethargy: Night sweats, loss of appetite, or chronic fatigue are worrying signs if they don’t go away – especially when combined with others above.
A leukaemia diagnosis isn’t the end. Dr Kapoor reassures, “With today’s treatments, many children go on to live full, healthy lives.” She urges parents to be proactive. “Early diagnosis saves lives. We need to break the myth that cancer is unbeatable.” So if something feels wrong, don’t wait. Don’t second guess. Just ask. You know your child best – and in the world of childhood cancer, that intuition could make all the difference.
FAQs about Childhood Leukaemia:
1. What are the common symptoms of leukaemia in children?
Common symptoms include persistent fever, paleness, constant tiredness, unexplained bruises or bleeding, aching joints or bones, swollen lymph nodes or belly, long-term weight loss, and lethargy.
2. How is leukaemia diagnosed in children?
Leukaemia is diagnosed through blood tests, bone marrow exams, and other diagnostic tools to identify cancerous cells.
3. What is the survival rate for children with leukaemia if detected early?
The survival rate for children with leukaemia if detected early is over 80%, with some cases reaching up to 90%.
4. Can children with leukaemia lead normal lives post-treatment?
Yes, many children go on to live full, healthy lives post-treatment thanks to advances in medical therapies.
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 a specific health diagnosis.
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