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Childhood cancer can be extremely challenging because it is difficult to diagnose and treat, and the causes are often unknown. According to WHO, some chronic infections, such as HIV, Epstein-Barr virus and malaria, are among the risk factors for childhood cancer. Every year, approximately 4 lakh children and adolescents up to 19 years of age develop cancer. The most common types of childhood cancer include leukemia, brain cancer, lymphoma, and solid tumors, such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor. Cancer is the leading cause of death in all age groups, including children. The obvious symptoms of cancer in children should not be ignored. (Also Read | International Child Cancer Day 2024: Date, History and Significance; Common Types of Childhood Cancer)
If your child is losing weight rapidly without any reason or is having problems like frequent headaches or joint pain and swelling, often feeling tired, complaining of headaches, facing vision problems. If there is recurring fever for a long period of time, then you should consult their doctor and get to the root of the problem. Early diagnosis of childhood cancer can increase the chances of recovery.
“Childhood cancer is not a rare entity. 2 lakh children (under the age of 18) everywhere are affected by different types of cancer. Cancer whether in children or teenagers, gives many signs which you should never ignore. Or should not be ignored,” says. Dr. Lisa Bulsara, Consultant – Pediatric Oncologist, Haemato-Oncology, Jupiter Hospital, Pune.
Cancer symptoms in children that you should not ignore
Dr. Lisa lists the common symptoms of cancer in children that parents should pay attention to:
1. Weight Loss: If your child’s weight has suddenly decreased and the reason for this is not known, then you should never take it lightly. You should take your child to the doctor and let the doctor diagnose him. Sometimes unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of cancer. If your weight is continuously decreasing then you should be more cautious.
2. Headache: If your child is complaining of headache in the morning then you should be cautious because this is not normal, especially if the child is also vomiting.
3. Swelling and pain in joints: If the child has reported that he is experiencing swelling or severe pain in the joints, legs and upper limbs, then you should take him to the doctor immediately.
4. Fatigue: If your child is suffering from low energy levels and complains of always being tired, there could be an underlying reason behind this tiredness.
5. Get Injured Easily: If your children bruise easily, it may mean that the number of platelets in their body has decreased. Sometimes children can be seen bleeding from the nose and gums.
6. Vision related problems: Vision problems may seem very common as you may think that these are due to their poor eyesight. But still you should not ignore or ignore this problem, especially if it happened suddenly. Sometimes when a flashlight is shined on their eyes, they may complain of vision problems.
7. Constant fever: If your child has a persistent fever for a very long time or it continues for more than a week and is not due to any infection, immediate attention should be sought.
8. They start losing their skills: If your children start losing previously learned skills, it may be a sign for you to be more attentive.
9. Pain in bones: If your child is having pain in his bones then it may not be normal. You should check with your doctor to find out the cause.
10. Losing interest in everything including playing: Children love to play. If your child has lost interest in playing and prefers to stay at home all the time, this is a warning sign. Immediate attention should be paid to this matter.
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