International Childhood Cancer Day: Which are the 5 most common pediatric cancers? Their signs and symptoms
15th February is celebrated as the International Childhood Cancer Day. Take a look at the five most common cancers that develop in children, including their signs and symptoms.
New Delhi: Every year, 15th February is celebrated as the International Childhood Cancer Day since 2002 when it was founded by Childhood Cancer International. It is a great initiative that spreads awareness about cancer in children.
If cancer is detected at early stages, it can be easy to cure and treat the patient. As parents, especially first-time parents, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of cancer in children to ensure your child stays safe. Childhood cancers are those that affect children from birth to the age of 15 and are also termed as pediatric cancers. They differ from adult cancers in the way they grow and spread in the body. Here are the five most common types of childhood cancers and their symptoms you must look out for.
International Childhood Cancer Day: Which are the 5 most common pediatric cancers – their signs and symptoms International Childhood Cancer Day: Which are the 5 most common pediatric cancers – their signs and symptoms | Photo Credit: Thinkstock
New Delhi: Every year, 15th February is celebrated as the International Childhood Cancer Day since 2002 when it was founded by Childhood Cancer International. It is a great initiative that spreads awareness about cancer in children.
If cancer is detected at early stages, it can be easy to cure and treat the patient. As parents, especially first-time parents, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of cancer in children to ensure your child stays safe. Childhood cancers are those that affect children from birth to the age of 15 and are also termed as pediatric cancers. They differ from adult cancers in the way they grow and spread in the body. Here are the five most common types of childhood cancers and their symptoms you must look out for. READ - Ultra-processed foods linked to early death: These foods can increase your risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity
Brain tumours
Brain and other nervous system tumours account for about 27% of pediatric cancer cases reported around the world. Though the tumours are different in children from adults, the symptoms of it remain similar. They include headaches, dizziness, problems with senses of sight, smell, hearing and also vomiting.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, abbreviated as ALL, is the most common type of cancer among children. Leukaemia starts from the bone marrow and spreads to the blood and other organs of the body. Symptoms of cancer include weight loss, joint pain, fatigue, weakness and bleeding.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system of the body and affects the lymph nodes such as the tonsils. It can also spread to other parts of the body. Weight loss, fever, dizziness and weakness are some of the symptoms of lymphoma.
Wilms Tumor
Wilms tumour begins in the kidney and is particularly common in very young children aged between 3 to 4 years. Symptoms of the tumour include poor appetite, fever, pain and others.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma arises from immature nerve cells in infants and young children. The symptoms of the cancer include impaired ability to walk, high blood pressure among others. It is common in children younger than five years of age.
