All about childhood cancers

May 6, 2021

All about childhood cancers

Cell regeneration is a natural and continuous process. New cells keep forming, as per our body needs and requirements, replacing old cells with new ones. But sometimes, this natural process goes wrong. New cells start forming when we don’t need them and old cells don’t die when they should. The growth of these extra cells is not normal and together, have the potential to become a tumor. While tumors are not normal, they are further classified into two terms Benign and Malignant. Benign tumors are noncancerous and malignant tumors are cancerous ones. These cancerous cells have the ability to invade surrounding tissues resulting in the spread of cancer.

CAN CHILDREN GET CANCER?

Many people are still not aware of the fact that children can get cancer. Yes, if not equal to adults, still they can get cancer. Every year, around 3 4 lakhs children below 14 years of age get diagnosed with cancer.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHILDHOOD AND ADULT CANCERS

Cancers in children are not the same as cancers in adults. One significant difference is that cancer in children is curable i.e., the chances of recovery are high in children. In western countries, around 80% of children can be cured because of their advancement in Science and better supportive care management. Whereas in underdeveloped and developing countries, around 10 50%(approx) children can be cured.
One of the main factors that contribute to this difference is “lack of awareness”! In many developing countries including India, the majority of people including many healthcare workers themselves aren't aware of the fact that children can get cancers. People should have a high index of suspicion meaning parents should know if and whether their child is showing any weird symptoms, teachers instead of terming the child as ‘lazy’ or ‘poor’ student should be aware enough to know whether the child is having any underlying condition. Only then they will look for the signs and symptoms which will lead to early diagnosis and treatment. Lack of awareness is one of the main reasons why appropriate help is not being taken in a timely fashion.

CHILDHOOD CANCER SIGNS? WHEN TO CONSULT A SPECIALIST?

Let's have a look at the various signs that need a doctor’s attention. Firstly, understand that all the organs are prone to cancer. The most common cancer in children is Leukemia a group of Blood Cancers that begin in the bone marrow, resulting in large numbers of abnormal blood cells. For example, out of 100 children, around 3040 children can have this. The next most common cancer is Brain Cancer which can involve the Brain and Central Nervous System. This can affect around 30% of children. Other than these, cancer can also affect other organs.
While signs and symptoms depend upon the area of cancer, some of the symptoms that need a doctor’s visit are:

Constant feeling of tiredness and weakness.
Not playing or able to concentrate properly.
Swelling or lumps in certain parts of the body.
Recurrent joint and bone pains.
Excessive bleeding and bruising, even a small bruise can lead to a huge wound.
Flulike symptoms that don’t go away even despite tablets & treatment. Paleness or loss of color (Pallor)

NOTE: These signs and symptoms may or may not indicate cancer in your child. Even if not cancer, these can indicate other underlying conditions as these symptoms aren’t normal.

TREATMENT

While the amount of therapy and medicine can differ from adults, treatment of childhood cancer is similar to the treatment of adult cancer. These include:
Radiation Therapy Chemotherapy Surgery Immunotherapy Stem Cell Transplant
At Promed Hospital, our approaches, specialities, technologies, etc., make patients experience the best of medical care. We give moral and emotional support to our patients throughout the procedure and try our best to perform fast and painless procedures. We aim to provide topnotch, multidisciplinary, and holistic patient care with the best possible medical outcomes and to becomethe best Cancer Hospital in Chennai.