Boys vs. Girls: Who is the risk of childhood cancer? Oncologist prevention tips reveal

Cancer is mostly associated with adults, but is a type of cancer that can also affect children. Childhood cancer, although rare, is on standing growth worldwide. In an interview with HT lifestyle, Dr. Sudha Sinha, Clinical Director and HOD, Medical Oncology, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad said, “While these diseases are rare, they can be disastrous for families. Boys are slightly higher than girls to develop some types of childhood cancer.” Also read Oncologist provokes 5 myths about childhood cancer: is it always fatal?

Boys vs. Girls: Who’s more weak?

“Cancer such as leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors and neuroblastoma are diagnosed more often in boys. An exception is the willms tumor (a type of kidney cancer), which is seen a bit more often in girls,” said the oncologist.

Why this difference? The reasons are still being studied, but many factors can play a role:

• Biological: Variation in immune system function and hormone regulation between boys and girls.
• Environmental risk: Boys can be more vulnerable to pollutants, toxins or prenatal exposures.
• Genetic effect: Subtle genetic variants can motivate boys for some cancer, although the evidence is incomplete.

Can childhood cancer be prevented?

The doctor said that unlike adults, children usually do not have lifestyle -related risk factors such as smoking or alcohol use. “However, environmental risk, maternal health, and some infections or conditions during pregnancy can affect the risk. While not every cancer is prevented, family can take meaningful steps for low risks,” Dr. Sudha Sinha said. Also read Oncologist lists 5 childhood red flag: fever, fatigue, lumps and more

Tips to prevent childhood cancer:

during pregnancy:

• Avoid more than two cups of coffee daily (associated with high risk of childhood leukemia).
• Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day; At least two servings of fresh fruits a day provide antioxidants for the child.
• Avoid frequent intake of grilled, barbecue, smoked or deeply fried foods.
• Take pre -delivery vitamins with folic acid as they can reduce the risk of leukemia and brain tumors in children.
• Avoid additional fatty meats and seafood, and refined vegetable oil (sunflower, soy).
• Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle. Fitter mothers are more likely to have healthy children.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking (including passive risk from family members).
• Breastfeeding if possible. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of childhood leukemia by about 10%, and about 20% when continues for six months or more.
• Choose clean, balanced nutrition with whole grains, lentils, nuts, and fresh home-covered foods, are safe than highly processed or oily foods.

For young children:

• Encourage external sports and physical activity; Limit screen time.
• Guard against pesticides and chemical risk at home and workplace.
• Protected air pollution (dense traffic area associated with high leukemia risk).
• Avoid unnecessary X-rays and CT scans.
• Use sunscreen for external activities.
• Ensure initial screening for siblings of children with hereditary cancer such as retinoblastoma.
• Monitor children with infection or genetic conditions (HIV, Down Syndrome, Epstein-Bar virus).

for teenagers:

Note the readers: This article is only for informative purposes and is not an option for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor with any question about a medical condition.