According to the World Health Organization, at least 300,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year. Only 80% of these children can be cured through treatment.
However, in low-income countries, 90 percent of children die of cancer due to a lack of access to health care.
According to the World Health Organization, childhood cancer refers to those under 18 years of age.
The incidence of cancer in children is also low. Children account for 0.5% to 4.6% of all cancer cases worldwide.
Which cancers are more common in childhood?
Cancer in children is slightly different than in adults. The World Health Organization says leukemia or leukemia is more common in children. One-third of children with cancer have leukemia.
Other common types of cancer are lymphomas and various types of tumors in the central nervous system. There are some cancers that only affect children. Such as neuroblastoma, nephroblastoma, medulloblastoma, and retinoblastoma.
Breast cancer, lung, colon, or rectal cancer usually occurs in adults. This type of cancer in children is very rare.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Assistant Professor of Hematology. Farzana Rahman said that children can get kidney cancer, some cancers of the brain, and some cancers of the blood.
In addition, children can get bone cancer, kidney cancer, muscle cancer.
Why do children get cancer?
Children are less likely to develop cancer.
However, there are some reasons why children get cancer.
One of these is exposure to harmful rays.
The World Health Organization says many children are more likely to develop cancer due to genetic factors. Such examples are commonly found in ethnically isolated communities.
This may be due to the fact that the sensitivities vary from person to person based on genetics.
Some studies have shown that in addition to the Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B, human herpes, and the HIV virus can also increase the risk of cancer in children.
early symptoms of child cancer
Some of the symptoms should not be ignored in the baby. These can be the early symptoms of child cancer.
Pain in the body
If there is a pain in any part of the body for a long time and it does not get better then you must consult a doctor. In this regard, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Assistant Professor of Hematology. Farzana Rahman said that if a child reports that his body has been in pain for a long time, then it should be taken seriously.
“Maybe he won’t be able to say but it means he’s not feeling well, he’s not letting go, he’s in too much pain.”
Swelling or swelling
If any part of the body suddenly swells and does not get better in a long time – then you must consult a doctor.
In this regard, Dr. Farzana Rahman said that swelling of any gland in the throat or any part of the body, feeling like a wheel inside the abdomen, swelling at any joint of the body is not a good sign.
Fever for many days
Because the body’s immune system does not work well, many times the fever does not get better. As a result, the patient suffers from fever for many days.
This is a sign of blood cancer, said Dr. Farzana Rahman.
In that case, it should be checked whether he is actually suffering from cancer or any other problem.
In addition, the body suddenly turns pale or jaundice persists for a long time, jaundice does not get better after taking medicine, the body turns yellow – despite these symptoms, experts have advised examining the child according to the doctor’s advice.
Excessive sweating than usual
If the child feels tired all the time without doing any work, does not feel tired even after resting, and starts sweating more than usual – then it must be taken as per the advice of the doctor.
Sudden bleeding
If any part of the body suddenly starts bleeding abnormally, you must consult a doctor without delay.
Dr. Farzana Rahman said that if there is bleeding without any reason or without any injury or pain, then one should consult a doctor without fear.
The hematologist said that if the blood that is made from the bone marrow or bone marrow is obstructed in any way, or if the blood clotting material is not made, then there is sudden bleeding from any part of the body such as nose, bowel movement or urine.
He said that this symptom occurs because the blood cannot clot.
Bleeding can also occur inside the skin of the body. Children get very sick when black or red spots appear on the skin. Then you must take the advice of a doctor.
Bleeding from the nose
Bleeding from tiny blood vessels in the front of the baby’s nose may occur. It decreases with age. But if there is no reduction, but frequent bleeding, then be careful.
Delay in wound healing
If the baby is cut somewhere in the body, make sure that the wound is healing longer than usual. If it takes more time, consult a doctor.
Abnormal weight loss
If the child continues to lose weight without any logical reason for exercise or weight loss, it is important to seek medical attention.
Whitening of the eyeball
Whitening of the eyeballs. This is an early sign of eye cancer.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath or shortness of breath is one of the risk factors for cancer in children.
Wheel or flesh
If there is a lump or tumor on either side of the abdomen, there is a risk of kidney cancer.
Headache
Abnormal headaches in children are symptoms of brain cancer.
Unconsciousness: If a child becomes unconscious without high fever or without proper cause, it may be a symptom of a brain tumor.
Bone pain
Symptoms such as severe pain in the bones without any injury, lameness, etc. are risk factors for bone cancer.
Weaknesses
Excessive physical weakness is a common symptom of cancer in children called lymphoma.
If the above-mentioned symptoms last for a month or two and are not getting any better then they should be checked. However, it is not possible to say for sure before the test what is the reason for this.
Causes of baby cancer
Hereditary factors are considered to be the main cause of childhood cancer. There are also the following reasons:
- Adverse natural environment
- Parental smoking habits
- Mother’s wrong eating habits during pregnancy
- Unhealthy eating habits of the child
- Hepatitis B, human herpes, and the HIV virus also increase children’s risk of developing cancer.
What to do to prevent baby cancer
Only parental awareness can save a child from cancer. It is possible to reduce this risk by making some simple changes in the child’s lifestyle as well as in the family.
- Feed your baby adequate amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients regularly.
- Make it a habit to eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Develop the habit of physical activity from an early age through sports, small work, etc.
- Do not let the baby stay in direct sunlight for long.
- Feed the baby less fatty foods, get regular exercise, and keep weight under control.
- Just as you will give up the habit of smoking or drinking, make sure that your child does not get involved in this habit.
- Get your child vaccinated for hepatitis B at an early age.
Author: Senior Consultant, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Specialty Center
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