Childhood cancer, or pediatric cancer, is a heartbreaking reality that highlights how indiscriminate serious illness can be. Despite this, many children have survived cancer with early medical intervention and have gone on to achieve remarkable things in life. However, the grim fact remains that cancer is the second leading cause of death among children, after road accidents. This makes it vital for parents, teachers, and caregivers to be aware of the warning signs that could point to cancer in children.
Some of the most common types of cancer in children include lymphoma, brain tumors, leukemia (blood cancer), kidney cancer (Wilms tumour), soft tissue sarcoma, and bone cancer. Catching symptoms early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes and overall survival.
According to Cancer Research UK, key symptoms to watch out for include: persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty passing urine or presence of blood in urine, unexplained swelling or lumps, purple or red skin spots that don’t fade, changes in vision or eyes, frequent bruising, unexplained nausea or vomiting, recurrent fevers, frequent infections like flu, and unusually pale skin.
Among all pediatric cancers, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, brain tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, and lymphoma are the most prevalent. Recognizing these signs early and seeking prompt medical attention can play a life-saving role in a child’s cancer journey.
