If your child is showing these 7 symptoms, be careful; they could be a sign of cancer.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Cancer is a serious disease that affects many people worldwide. This disease can sometimes prove fatal, and therefore, to raise awareness about its risks, National Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated every year on November 7th. There are many types of cancer that can affect anyone. This disease is now affecting children as well. Childhood and adolescent cancers are much less common than adult cancers, but awareness about them is still important. We spoke with Dr. Nagendra Sharma, Director of Medical Oncology at Max Hospital, Gurugram, about its symptoms and why it shouldn't be ignored. 

Causes of cancer in children

The doctor explained that while childhood cancer represents a small percentage of the total cancer burden in India, it still has a significant impact due to the young age and the small number of tumors. Cancers in children are generally not lifestyle-related. They are caused by genetic changes that occur early in life, often without a clear cause. 

Names of common cancers in children 

The most common cancers in children include leukemia, brain and spinal cord tumors, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, and bone cancers such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.

Early signs of cancer in children

Early detection of cancer in children remains a major challenge. Therefore, certain symptoms should never be ignored. Although these symptoms may be caused by common childhood illnesses, it is still important to keep an eye out for them. These symptoms include: 

• persistent fever
• Tiredness
• Weight loss without any reason
• Frequent infections
• Bone pain
• sudden vision changes
• Lump/swelling in any part of the body 

Cancer treatment in children

Over the past decade, advances in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, precision medicine, bone marrow transplantation, and improved surgical techniques have led to advances in the treatment of childhood cancer. 

There has been significant improvement. Parents, schools, and communities play a vital role in raising awareness about cancer. Recognizing early warning signs, seeking timely medical advice, and dispelling myths about cancer can significantly improve cancer treatment. 

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