Childhood cancer is less common than other cancers, but it is not as common as is commonly believed. About 50,000 to 75,000 new childhood cancer cases are reported in India every year, with leukemia and lymphoma being the most common. The good thing is that with timely detection and treatment, more than 80 percent of children have a chance of recovery. The real challenge is to recognize the early symptoms early. Let us know what doctors say about this.
What needs to be done?
Dr. Shravan Kumar Bodepudi, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada Many childhood cancers begin with very mild and normal-looking symptoms. Prolonged fever, constant fatigue, or small lump on the body are often ignored as common diseases. Correct diagnosis and treatment are often delayed by weeks or months, especially in areas with limited healthcare facilities. If parents are careful and take the symptoms seriously, treatment can start early.
What symptoms should be paid attention to?
Dr. Shravan explains that if a symptom lasts for more than two weeks or returns repeatedly, it should not be ignored. Unexplained lumps or swelling in the neck, armpits or abdomen, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums or small red spots on the skin can be warning signs. Persistent fever, frequent infections, strange fatigue, unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite are also warning signs. Bone or joint pain that causes a child to limp or complain of pain at night should also be taken seriously. Headache with vomiting in the morning, difficulty in vision or balance, swelling in the stomach or pale face, all these should be investigated. White glow in the eyes in photographs may be a sign of a rare eye tumor. Not every symptom is necessarily cancer, but it is not right to ignore them.
What should you do?
Leukemia often causes fever, fatigue, paleness, and bruising easily. Lymphoma can cause hard, growing lumps in the neck or armpits. Brain tumors may be associated with morning headaches and balance problems, while some solid tumors appear as a swelling or lump in the abdomen. If the child’s symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor immediately. Routine blood tests and imaging can provide early indications.