JOIN USStatistics indicate that one out of eight men today has the possibility of developing cancer in his lifetime (0-74 years). One out of nine women has the possibility to develop cancer in her lifetime (0-74 years).
Most of us assume that cancer affects only adults. But the truth is a large number of children in India and around the world are also being diagnosed with this disease. What exacerbates the situation is poor awareness and diagnosis of common symptoms such as pain in the joints, fever and headache, due to which, diagnosis and treatment may get delayed, eventually leading to death.
According to latest findings, about 5% of patients suffering from different types of cancer are below the age of 18 years. Every year, there are about 45,000 new cases of cancer patients under 18 in the country.
The types
Cancer in children is different from that in adults, with the most common difference being that in children, it can be completely cured if diagnosed on time. Some of the common types of childhood cancer include the following:
* Leukaemia: This is the cancer of the bone marrow and blood, and accounts for about 30% of all cancers in children. Symptoms of leukaemia include bone and joint pain, fatigue, weakness, pale skin, bleeding or bruising, fever, and weight loss. It is important to diagnose and treat acute leukaemia at the earliest, as it can grows fast.
* Brain & spinal cord tumours: These account for about 26% of childhood cancers. Most brain tumours in children start in the lower parts of the brain, such as the cerebellum or brain stem causing headaches, nausea, vomiting, blurred or double vision, dizziness, seizures, trouble walking or handling objects, and other symptoms.
* Neuroblastoma: This starts early and develops in the nerve cells found in a developing embryo or foetus. Neuroblastomas account for about 6% of childhood cancers and develop in infants and young children. The tumour usually starts in the abdomen as a swelling and can also cause bone pain and fever.
* Wilms tumour: Also called nephroblastoma, this type of cancer starts in either one or both the kidneys. It is common in children younger than six years of age and can manifest as a swelling or lump in the abdomen. Other symptoms include fever, pain, nausea, or poor appetite.
* Lymphoma: This type of cancer begins in the immune system cells called lymphocytes. It also affects the bone marrow and other organs. Depending on the location of the cancer, symptoms can include weight loss, fever, sweats, tiredness and lumps under the skin in the neck, armpit or groin.
* Rhabdomyosarcoma: This can start anywhere including the head and neck, groin, abdomen, pelvis, or in an arm or leg. The symptoms include pain, swelling (a lump), or both. Rhabdomyosarcoma accounts for about 3% of childhood cancers.
* Retinoblastoma: This occurs in the eye. It is common in children below the age of six. When light is shone in a child's eye, the pupil looks red because of the blood in vessels in the back of the eye.
* Bone cancer: These start in the bones and account for about 3% of all childhood cancer cases.
Stay alert
It is important to look out for the following warning signs. If any of these are recurrent or prevalent, consult a doctor immediately.
* Eye: A white spot in the eye, new squint, blindness and bulging eyeball
* Lump: Abdomen and pelvis, head and neck, limbs, testes and glands
* Unexplained: Fever, loss of weight and appetite, pallor, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding
* Aching: Bones, joints, back and easy fractures
* Neurological signs: Change in behaviour, balance, gait and milestones, headache, enlarging head
Causes & risk factors
Although the causes for childhood cancers are mostly unknown, a lot of them may be due to genetic mutation. These lead to uncontrolled cell growth and eventually cancer. It is difficult to point at one particular factor as cancer is a rare condition in children. This is also because, one may be unsure of what a child may have been exposed to during the developmental phase. About 5% of all cancers in children are caused by an inherited mutation.
Childhood cancer is curable if it is diagnosed early and treated. Additionally, good hygiene and balanced nutrition are also important.
(The author is an oncologist at Lybrate Platform)