Childhood cancer is a heart-breaking reality that affects thousands of families worldwide.
According to this survey, hospitals report around 200 new cases of childhood cancer every year. and that number is slowly rising.
Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for survival and recovery.
Those at the earlier stages have a higher chance of getting better. Which is why recognising the early warning signs can play a pivotal role in reducing cancer deaths among children.
Here are seven hallmarks of children’s cancer that parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals should take note of.
7 Signs of Childhood Cancer
Unexplained Weight Loss
Sudden and unexplained weight loss can often be the first indicator that a child has cancer.
Sometimes children lose weight for a variety of reasons, such as changes in diet or increase physical activity.
But if there’s no obvious cause as to why your child is losing weight, they may need a medical checkup.
The reason why most cancers cause weight loss is because cancer cells require a lot of calories and energy to reproduce.
So, in order to get their energy, cancer cells will steal nutrients, causing rapid loss of muscle and fat.
Headaches and Vomiting
Some forms of cancer can cause headaches and vomiting.
So, this symptom should also be at the top of your list.
Cancers of the brain, or brain tumours, are most likely the culprit.
Pressure on the brain can result in painful headaches.
If it is a brain tumour, the headaches will usually be accompanied by other symptoms such as vision problems, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, hallucinations and speech problems – not unlike a stroke victim.
Other cancers that can cause headaches and vomiting include cancers of the upper threat, spinal cord, and pituitary gland and lymphoma.
Persistent Fatigue
In the same vein as weight loss, cancer patients usually suffer from fatigue and exhaustion even when they’re not doing any strenuous physical activity.
As cancer cells steal nutrients to feed their growth, the body naturally grows weak.
Prolonged fatigue is another symptom of cancer.
If a child constantly feels exhausted, lacks energy, or seems unusually weak, consult a paediatrician.
Unusual Lumps or Swellings
If you find lumps or swellings on your child’s body that weren’t there before, or if they complain to you about this, it may be a cancerous symptom.
These lumps are more often than not swollen lymph nodes, which are a sign of cancer and other types of common infections.
But if your child does not have an ongoing sickness such as a flu, then swollen nymph nodes may be a sign of cancer.
If the lumps are not located at the lymph nodes, but in the arms and legs, then it could be a form of cancer known as sarcoma.
Persistent Pain
Pain is often an overlooked symptom of cancer.
But unexplained pain in certain parts of the body, especially in the bones and joints, should raise concerns.
Children with cancer may experience localised pain in these areas.
Moreover, these pain spots will not respond to typical treatments, and may even worsen over time.
If your child is complaining of any pain in their body, it’s time to get them checked.
Changes in Vision
Some cancers can sometimes affect your eyes and vision as mentioned earlier.
This is true especially if it’s a brain tumour which, as they grow, can put pressure on certain parts of the brain related to vision such as the optic nerve.
If your child experiences sudden or gradual changes in vision, such as blurry vision, double vision, or a white glow in the eye, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.
Recurring Infections
Cancer is notorious for weakening the body’s defence system.
This causes your immunity to suffer.
If your child suffers from frequent or persistent infections, such as respiratory infections, ear infections, or skin infections, cancer may be to blame. Especially if these infections don’t respond well or at all to conventional medical treatment.
While not all infections are indicative of cancer, a medical checkup will rule out any other alarming conditions.
Abdominal Issues
Persistent abdominal pain, bloating, or swelling can be the result of various types of childhood cancer.
Some that come to mind include kidney tumours, neuroblastoma, or leukemia.
If your child complains of ongoing or severe abdominal discomfort, or if there is noticeable swelling or a change in bowel habits, take them to a doctor as soon as possible.
Let’s Beat Child Cancer
It’s important to note that these hallmarks does not automatically mean your child has cancer.
However, it does highlight the importance of early detection.
In which case, it’s probably better safe than sorry to get them diagnosed even though they may be showing only 2 or 3 of the symptoms mentioned above.
Whatever the case is, parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals should remain vigilant to all these signs or symptoms in childhood cancer.
This can potentially save lives.
By spreading awareness about these warning signs, we can all play a part in ensuring a brighter future for children battling this devastating disease.
Let’s beat cancer together!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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