Know About Childhood Cancer, Causes, Treatment
Childhood cancer is a heartbreaking reality that impacts thousands of families around the world. While rare, it remains one of the leading causes of death among children. In this blog, we’ll talk about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for childhood cancer, helping you recognise early signs and understand the challenges families face. We’ll also explore ways to care for children with cancer, offering practical advice to support their emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
The objective of this blog is to provide essential information, raise awareness, and offer hope through the available treatment options.
What Are The Causes Of Childhood Cancer?
The childhood cancer causes are not fully understood, but several factors have been identified as potential contributors. According to a 2024 study, the potential causes of childhood cancers are:
1. Genetic factors: Certain genetic mutations or inherited conditions, such as Down syndrome or neurofibromatosis, can increase the risk of developing cancer.
2. Chromosomal abnormalities: Structural birth defects and chromosomal anomalies are linked to higher cancer risk. The more birth defects that are present, the greater the risk of childhood cancer.
3. Previous cancer treatments: Cancer treatment, particularly for childhood cancers, increases the risk of developing a Subsequent Malignant Neoplasm (SMN) by 4 to 6 times later in life, mainly due to radiation and certain chemotherapy drugs. However, improvements in treatment have reduced this risk over time, with fewer patients developing secondary cancers in recent decades.
4. Ionising radiation: Ionising radiation has been linked to childhood cancer for over 75 years, with research showing a dose-dependent increase in leukaemia and brain cancer risks from medical imaging, particularly CT scans. Studies indicate that early CT scans, especially before age 5, carry the highest cancer risk. The rise in thyroid cancer among children in recent years is partly attributed to radiation exposure from medical imaging and environmental incidents like nuclear accidents.
5. Immune system weakness: Infections may play a role in childhood cancer, with early childhood infections potentially strengthening the immune system and reducing cancer risk, while later infections may trigger leukaemia and other cancers.
6. Carcinogenic virus infections: Certain viruses, such as HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, and malaria, can increase cancer risk.
7. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: Overexposure to UV radiation from the sun can increase the risk of melanoma later in life.
8. Diet and lifestyle: Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may lower the risk of leukaemia, while unhealthy diets or lack of physical activity may contribute to cancer risk.
What are the symptoms of childhood cancer?
Detecting cancer in children can be challenging as the initial symptoms are similar to those caused by common illnesses or injuries. Children frequently experience sickness or injuries that can obscure early signs of cancer. Although cancer is not common in children, it is crucial to consult a doctor if your child shows any unusual childhood cancer symptoms, such as,
- A lump or swelling that is unusual
- Unexplained fatigue and paleness
- Experiencing easy bruising or bleeding
- Persistent pain in a particular area of the body
- Difficulty walking or a noticeable limp
- Unexplained illness or fever that persists
- Frequent headaches accompanied by vomiting
- Abrupt changes in vision or eye function
- Unintentional weight loss
- Unexplained high temperature (fever) or sweating
What are the top 5 treatments for cancer?
The course of treatment and recommendations for cancer care is determined by various factors such as the specific type of cancer, the potential side effects of the treatment, and the patient's overall health and personal preferences. The most common types of treatments used for treating common childhood cancers include,
Treatment | Description | Side effects |
| 1. Surgery | Surgery involves removing the tumour (malignant or benign) and some surrounding healthy tissue. It is used to remove tumours entirely when possible. | Infection, bleeding, pain, scarring, damage to surrounding healthy tissue, and recovery time vary based on tumour location and size. |
| 2. Chemotherapy | Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting their division and reproduction. Administered in cycles. | Fatigue, increased susceptibility to infection, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, temporary effects that resolve after treatment ends. |
| 3. Radiation therapy | Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It can be delivered externally (external beam) or internally (brachytherapy). | Fatigue, skin reactions, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea, potential risk of secondary cancers and damage to surrounding healthy organs. |
| 4. Immunotherapy | Immunotherapy improves the immune system's ability to target and fight cancer cells. It includes cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and interferons. | Flu-like symptoms, fever, fatigue, skin rashes, inflammation, immune-related side effects like inflammation of organs (e.g., lungs, liver). |
| 5. Bone marrow/Stem cell transplant | A procedure that replaces damaged or cancerous bone marrow with healthy stem cells, often used for blood cancers like leukaemia. | Infection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), fatigue, bleeding, anaemia, nausea, organ complications, and longer recovery period. |
How can we provide emotional support to children with cancer?
Providing emotional support to children with cancer is crucial for helping them cope with their diagnosis and treatment. Here are some key ways to offer emotional support:
1. Create a safe and open space: Encourage open communication by creating a safe environment where the child feels comfortable expressing their feelings, fears, and concerns. Be an active listener and validate their emotions.
2. Provide age-appropriate information: Alter your explanations about the illness and treatment to the child’s age and understanding. Being honest while offering reassurance helps them feel more in control of the situation.
3. Offer comfort and reassurance: Offer physical comforts, such as hugs and hand-holding, to reassure them. Let them know they are loved and that they are not alone in their journey.
4. Maintain routine and normalcy: Whenever possible, try to maintain a sense of normalcy in their daily routine. This can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of stability. Encourage participation in activities they enjoy, even if modified for their energy levels.
5. Encourage social connections: Help the child stay connected with friends and family, either in person or through video calls. Maintaining social ties can provide a sense of normal life and emotional support. If the child is going to school, you can ask the school management to provide additional support, such as adjusting the academic workload, offering flexible attendance options, or ensuring access to counselling services. So, the child feels supported both at home and in school.
6. Promote positive coping strategies: Encourage relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, art, or music therapy, which can help the child manage stress and anxiety. Let them express their emotions through creative outlets.
7. Involve professional support: Consider involving a child life specialist, therapist, or counsellor trained in working with children facing serious illnesses. These professionals can help the child process emotions and develop coping mechanisms.
8. Be present and patient: Provide consistent emotional presence, whether it’s through spending quality time together, talking, or just sitting with them during treatment. Be patient and understanding, as their emotional needs may fluctuate.
9. Encourage hope and positivity: Help the child focus on small victories during their treatment and remind them of their strengths. Encouraging hope and positivity can improve their resilience and outlook.
10. Support for the family: A cancer diagnosis affects the entire family, so ensuring that family members also have emotional support can help create a more supportive environment for the child.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens to childhood cancer survivors?
Childhood cancer survivors may face long-term health issues, including physical and emotional challenges, but many go on to lead fulfilling lives. With ongoing medical support and care, they can thrive and achieve their goals.
2. Can you live a long life after childhood cancer?
Yes, many childhood cancer survivors live long, fulfilling lives with proper care and monitoring. Early detection and ongoing treatment help manage potential long-term health risks.
3. Does breastfeeding prevent childhood cancer?
Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of certain childhood cancers, such as leukaemia and lymphoma. However, it is not a definitive prevention, as multiple factors influence cancer risk.
4. When is childhood cancer awareness month?
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is observed in September, aiming to raise awareness about childhood cancers. Childhood Cancer Day celebrated on February 15th, also highlights the importance of support and research for young cancer patients.
5. Does IVF cause childhood cancer?
There is no conclusive evidence that IVF directly causes childhood cancer. While some studies suggest a slightly increased risk, the overall chances remain very low.
6. What are the 3 main childhood cancers?
The three main types of childhood cancer are leukaemia, brain tumours, and lymphomas. These are the most common types of childhood cancer, accounting for a significant proportion of cases.
Hope For A Cure
Understanding childhood cancer, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for giving hope and improving the lives of young patients. The journey of Sitara Khan, who was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma at the age of 12, highlights the resilience and hope that can arise from the battle against cancer. Despite facing gender bias and the financial burden of her treatment, Sitara’s parents never gave up. Today, Sitara is cancer-free, a living example of how early detection, proper care, and unwavering support can lead to victory over childhood cancer. Her story serves as an inspiration for others in similar battles.
References
1. icci AM, Emeny RT, Bagley PJ, Blunt HB, Butow ME, Morgan A, Alford-Teaster JA, Titus L, Walston RR 3rd, Rees JR. Causes of Childhood Cancer: A Review of the Recent Literature: Part I-Childhood Factors. Cancers (Basel). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11011156/
2. Ahrensberg JM, Hansen RP, Olesen F, Schrøder H, Vedsted P. Presenting symptoms of children with cancer: a primary-care population-based study.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3381271/
3. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2023/02/advances-childhood-cancer#
4. Children with Cancer: A Guide for Parents https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/children-with-cancer.pdf
