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Childhood cancers, though rare, are a reality faced by many families. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the prognosis, yet misconceptions persist. This blog has inputs from a top paediatrician in Bangalore, to walk you through the early signs of childhood cancers. Along with that, we will also debunk common myths to provide clarity and hope.
Synopsis
Early Signs of Childhood Cancer
Recognising the signs of cancer in children can be challenging since many of the symptoms overlap with common childhood illnesses. However, it’s important to be aware of persistent symptoms that warrant further investigation:
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Unusual Lump or Swelling - A lump or swelling that doesn’t go away over time, particularly in areas like the neck, abdomen, or limbs, could be a warning sign.
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Unexplained Paleness and Tiredness - Children with cancer may show signs of fatigue or paleness that do not improve with rest, indicating anaemia or other underlying health issues.
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Easy Bruising or Bleeding - If your child frequently bruises without injury or bleeds easily, it could indicate problems with the blood, possibly related to leukaemia.
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Unexplained Fever or Illness - Persistent fevers that don’t respond to regular treatment can sometimes be an early indicator of cancer.
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Limping - Limping that doesn’t seem to be caused by an injury might point to bone or joint issues, which could be associated with certain cancers.
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Frequent Headaches with Vomiting - Frequent and severe headaches, often accompanied by vomiting, can be a sign of a brain tumour.
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Sudden Eye or Vision Changes - Changes in vision, such as sudden blurriness or loss of sight, maybe an early warning sign of cancers affecting the eyes or brain.
If any of these signs persist, consult an expert paediatrician right away for further evaluation. Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes significantly.
Debunking Myths About Childhood Cancers
Despite advances in treatment and research, myths about childhood cancers remain widespread. These misconceptions create unnecessary fear and stigma. So, here, let us address some of the most common ones.
Myth 1: Childhood cancers are not curable.
Fact: This is far from the truth. When diagnosed early and treated appropriately, childhood cancers have excellent cure rates. In fact, the cure rates are more than 85-90% in the majority of cases.
Myth 2: Childhood cancers are genetic.
Fact: While genetics may play a role in some cases, 95% of childhood cancers are not inherited. This means parents do not need to feel guilty or worried about passing on cancer to their children.
Myth 3: Childhood cancers are contagious.
Fact: Cancer is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another. There is no risk of "catching" cancer from a child who has it.
Myth 4: Treatment for childhood cancer is painful.
Fact: Modern cancer treatments are designed to minimise discomfort. Chemotherapy, for example, is administered through a device called a chemo port, making the process similar to receiving any other injection. This makes treatment far less painful than many people assume.
Myth 5: Children do not tolerate cancer treatment well.
Fact: Children typically tolerate cancer treatments better than adults. Since they generally do not have underlying conditions like diabetes or heart disease, they are more resilient and can complete treatment effectively.
Myth 6: Cancer treatment has long-term side effects.
Fact: While there can be side effects, treatment protocols are designed to minimise these risks. Moreover, regular screenings are conducted to monitor any potential long-term effects, ensuring that the child's health is prioritised during and after treatment.
Treatment Options for Childhood Cancers
When it comes to treating childhood cancers, the course of action often involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The goal is to target the cancer cells, minimise damage to healthy tissues, and preserve the child's overall well-being. The advancements in paediatric oncology have led to more effective treatments with fewer side effects, improving the quality of life for young patients.
Chemotherapy remains one of the most commonly used treatments. It works by destroying fast-growing cancer cells, although it may sometimes affect normal cells. This treatment is usually administered through a chemo port, which minimises discomfort and makes the process more manageable for children.
Radiation therapy, when needed, is carefully targeted to shrink tumours or eliminate cancer cells in specific areas. Surgery may also be required in some cases to remove the tumour.
Following the completion of treatment, regular follow-ups and screenings are necessary to manage any potential side effects from the treatment and to ensure the cancer does not relapse.
The best course of treatment can only be prescribed by an expert paediatric haematologist. So, make sure to consult them on a regular basis.
Conclusion
Childhood cancers, while daunting, are treatable, and in many cases, curable. Recognising the early signs and understanding the myths surrounding these cancers can help families navigate the journey more confidently. With early detection and the appropriate treatment, children diagnosed with cancer have an excellent chance of recovery.
FAQ's
Some early signs of childhood cancer include unusual lumps, persistent fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, frequent headaches, and unexplained fevers. A doctor should check for any persistent symptoms.
Yes, childhood cancers have high cure rates, particularly when detected early. With the right treatment, over 85-90% of childhood cancer cases can be cured.
While cancer treatment sounds intimidating, modern techniques like using a chemoport make the process more comfortable. Treatment is designed to minimize pain, and children generally tolerate it well.
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