Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Shining Gold For Little Fighters
September holds a place on the calendar as it is dedicated to shedding light on a matter that impacts millions globally. Childhood cancer awareness month serves as a platform to highlight the challenges faced by warriors battling cancer and their families while also emphasizing the pressing need for increased research and support. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of this observance. Explore ways in which we can contribute.
Understanding Childhood Cancer
Childhood cancer is a ranging term that encompasses types of cancers that affect children and teenagers. Although not as common as cancers in adults, it has an impact on the lives of individuals. From leukemia to brain tumors, childhood bone cancers to lymphomas, these illnesses strike at the core of innocence and resilience. Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancers often result from mutations rather than environmental factors, making them challenging to prevent.
The Role Of Awareness
Childhood cancer awareness month serves as a platform to bring attention to the realities faced by cancer patients. It highlights the importance of increased funding for pediatric cancer research and the development of invasive treatments. In India, nearly 50,000 new childhood cancer cases occur yearly. The more people comprehend the intricacies of childhood cancer, the more likely they are to contribute towards the cause. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness.
Various Types Of Childhood Cancers
Childhood cancer is a global issue that affects both kids and their parents. Even though the journey ahead remains challenging, it is necessary to understand the various types of childhood cancers and their symptoms to ensure identification, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Leukemia: It is a commonly occurring cancer in children. Leukemia is a cancer that occurs in the cells of the bone marrow. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are the most common types of Leukemia. Fever, infections, anemia, leg, joint, and back pain, loss of weight and appetite, and unusual bleeding are some symptoms of Leukemia.
- Brain and spinal cord tumors: There are various types of brain and spinal cord tumors, and each has a different treatment approach and prognosis. Glial tumors, mixed glial neuronal tumors, neural tumors, embryonal tumors, ependymoblastoma, and pineal tumors are some cancers in the brain and spinal cord. Some brain tumor symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, double vision, nausea and vomiting, seizures, dizziness, and difficulty walking and handling objects.
- Neuroblastoma: It is a cancer that occurs in the nerve cells. In neuroblastoma, the tumor usually begins in the adrenal glands above the kidneys. The symptoms of neuroblastoma include an enlarged belly (swelling), bone pain, fever, weight loss, and trouble breathing and swallowing.
- Nephroblastoma: It is also called a wilms tumor and is a type of cancer that occurs in the immature cells of the kidneys. The nephroblastoma symptoms include fever, weight loss, pain, nausea, loss of appetite, swelling, or a lump in the belly.
- Lymphomas: Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. Cancer that occurs in the lymphocytes is called lymphoma. It usually begins in the lymph nodes or lymph tissues. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are the two types of lymphomas. Fever, lumps under the groin, neck, and armpit, fatigue, sweats, and weight loss are some symptoms of lymphoma.
- Rhabdomyosarcoma: It is a type of cancer which usually develops in the skeletal muscles. Since muscles are present throughout the body, rhabdomyosarcoma can begin anywhere in the body, like the head and neck, abdomen, pelvis, groin, or limbs. The symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma are pain, swelling, or lumps.
- Retinoblastoma: It is a type of tumor occurring in the eye. The symptoms of retinoblastoma include different colors in the pupil, cross eyes, and pain in the eye.
- Bone cancers: These are the cancers that occur in bones. Osteosarcoma and ewing sarcomas are the two types of bone cancers. Bone pain and swelling are common symptoms of bone cancers.
How Can You Engage
Turning Awareness Into Action
There are several ways to engage in childhood cancer awareness month. You can,
- Wear gold ribbons: Gold is the color associated with childhood cancer awareness. To show your support, wear gold ribbons or clothing.
- Donate: You can donate to respectable organizations dedicated to children's cancer research and support services.
- Raise Awareness: Use your social media platforms to educate others about children's cancer, its problems, and advancements.
- Volunteer: To make a difference, get involved with local hospitals, support organizations, or awareness campaigns.
- Support Families: You may help families suffering from childhood cancer by providing practical guidance, emotional support, or simply being a friend.
Challenges Faced By Young Patients
Childhood cancer presents difficulties. Apart from the number of treatments, children also have to navigate psychological obstacles that can disrupt their normal development. The experience plays a major role in families well who find themselves by balancing hospital stays, treatment plans, and financial burdens. The emotional strain can be overwhelming. This is where awareness and support play roles. Knowledge is a powerful tool. Familiarize yourself with the signs, spread awareness, and participate in the movement to make a difference in the lives of children battling cancer.
In Unity, There's Strength
As September approaches, let's unite in the battle against childhood cancer. By raising awareness, supporting organizations, and actively engaging in fundraising and educational initiatives, we can truly make an impact on the lives of those affected by this illness. Childhood cancer awareness month 2023 reminds us to stand together and strive towards a future where no child has to face cancer without support.
Awareness Is The Greatest Agent For Change
