World Cancer Day: Common childhood cancers and early symptoms parents must know

Childhood leukemia is rare but treatable. Early detection can save lives. Learn the warning signs and treatment options from pediatric cancer experts (Image: Pexels)

• Early detection of childhood cancer greatly improves treatment outcomes
• Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer, with often subtle symptoms.
• Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants

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While childhood cancer is very rare, it continues to be one of the most difficult diagnoses for families on emotional and medical fronts. Early diagnosis is key for better survival rates and treatment results. Often, early symptoms of cancer in children are similar to those from much more common illnesses or injuries and may include aches and pains, persistent fever, frequent headaches, unexplained weight loss, swelling or lumps. The ability to recognize these warning signs at an early stage can be lifesaving.

With the latest developments in diagnostics, targeted therapies and supportive care, recovery rates have gone up for children, according to Dr Sameer Tulpule, Senior Director – Haematology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care.

With early medical intervention, many paediatric cancers are now very treatable. Educating parents, caretakers, and teachers is needed for early intervention, better outcomes, and the best possible chance a child can have.

Also Read: Childhood cancer: Patterns of spread and early symptoms of Leukaemia, brain tumours, lymphomas

Common Cancer

Leukaemia or blood cancers are amongst the commonest type of all childhood cancers. This cancer begins in the bone marrow – the soft, spongy tissue inside large bones which facilitate production of red and white blood cells, and platelets. When the stem cells from the bone marrow become cancerous, it directly affects the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells, leading to serious health complications, requiring immediate attention.

Role of early detection and signs

Early detection plays a key role in increasing the chances of recovery or remission of blood cancers in children. Awareness about the symptoms is important because the signs can sometimes be subtle and may mimic routine illnesses. Chronic or unexplained tiredness and weakness, reoccurring infections or fever, frequent bruising or bleeding from nose or gums, tiny red spots on the skin, or paleness are some of the common symptoms of leukaemia. Some children may complain of bone or joint pain, swollen glands, or a generalised lethargy and lack of appetite.

Early detection is specifically challenging in children because in early stages, there may be no noticeable symptoms at all. This is when the parents need to observe specific patterns that repeat themselves or keep worsening and seek timely medical evaluation.

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

 Treatment options

There are several treatment options available for leukaemia such as chemotherapy and for selected patients, Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT). In a BMT, the Haemato-oncology experts eradicate diseased or abnormal stem cells using high-dose chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy such as total body irradiation. Then they introduce healthy stem cells to rebuild the bone marrow and allow it to produce normal blood cells. The transplants can be of two types, autologous; which are performed using the patient’s own stem cells or allogenic; which are performed using a matched donor, either relative or that from a global registry.

FAQs on Common Childhood Cancer and Early Warning Signs

1. What are some common types of childhood cancer?

Leukaemia, brain and spinal cord tumours, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, retinoblastoma, and bone cancer are among the common types of childhood cancer.

2. What are the early warning signs of childhood cancer?

Early warning signs may include unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, frequent headaches, pain in bones or joints, recurrent infections, excessive bruising or bleeding, swollen glands, lumps or swelling, and general lethargy.

3. Why is early detection important in childhood cancer?

Early detection is crucial as it increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery, allowing for timely medical intervention before the cancer progresses.

4. How can parents and caretakers help in early detection?

Parents and caretakers can help by being aware of the symptoms, observing any unusual patterns in the child's health, and seeking medical evaluation if any persistent or unusual symptoms arise.

5. What are the treatment options available for childhood cancers like leukaemia?

Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplants, which can be autologous or allogenic depending on the patient's condition and the availability of a matched donor.

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