How to Self-Monitoring for Kids — Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer in children may occur suddenly, and if it gets diagnosed right in time, they have a high chance of cures. The most common type of cancer is Leukemia, a progressive malignant disease in which the bone marrow and other blood-producing organs develop increased numbers of immature or abnormal leukocytes, which suppress normal blood cells. This suppression leads to anemia and other symptoms.

Different types of cancers include brain tumors, lymphoma, or soft tissue sarcoma, affecting children.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, accounting for about 34% of all cancers in children. This type of cancer typically affects children between 2 and 4 and is more common among males than in females. It first manifests in the bone marrow and then can spread throughout other parts of the body. 3 out of 4 cancer in children is ALL.

Brain tumors or other tumors in the nervous system are also a common type of cancer among children. Brain tumors account for more than 27% of the cancers in children. Significant types of tumors develop in the lower parts of the brain, such as the cerebellum or the brain stem in children. Brain tumors are different in children than adults. However, the symptoms are almost similar.

It is essential to pay attention to your child’s health and symptoms. Unfortunately, there are few symptoms that you can look for in your child’s health.

● An unusual lump or swelling

● Unexplained paleness and loss of energy

● Easy bruising or bleeding

● Ongoing pain in one area of the body

● Limping

● Unexplained fever or illness that doesn’t go away

● Frequent headaches, often with vomiting

● Sudden eye or vision changes

● Sudden unexplained weight loss

Cancer can kill when it invades essential organs, such as your liver, lungs, or brain, and stops them from functioning correctly or entirely. However, cancer can be controlled and cured if it gets diagnosed at an early age. Symptoms and their treatments vary according to the type of cancer and how far along it has gone. The symptoms mentioned above can also result from an injury, infection, or anything other than cancer. However, if your child complains about their health and you happen to notice these symptoms, see your doctor. Early checkups can prevent your child from further losses and have a high chance of complete cure and become cancer-free.