Warning signs of childhood cancer

Cancers that affect children generally differ from those that adults get. In children it is mostly the developing cells that turn into cancer, for example bone marrow, kidneys and the nervous system cells. The most common childhood cancer is leukaemia and the second most common is brain cancer.

Warning signs

The first letters of the following symptoms spell out CHILD CANCER and are used in Cansa’s On the move for the youth campaign to promote awareness of childhood cancer in our country. Look out for the following signs and, if you find any, see a doctor as soon as possible.

• • Continued, unexplained weight loss

• • Headaches, often with vomiting at early night/early morning

• • Increased swelling or pain in bones, joints, back or legs

• • Lump or mass in abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or armpits

• • Development of excessive bruising, bleeding or rash

• • Constant infections

• • A whitish colour behind the pupil

• • Nausea which persists or vomiting without nausea

• • Constant tiredness or noticeable paleness

• • Eye or vision changes that occur suddenly and persist

• • Recurrent fevers of unknown origin.

Know the signs and act timeously

Unfortunately less than half the cancers in children are identified early enough for treatment that leads to complete recovery. Every effort should therefore be made to detect childhood cancer early on so that treatment can be started as soon as possible.

Luckily we have excellent treatment centres in our country where specialist paediatric oncologists treat children. The types of treatment used to treat childhood cancer are chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, sometimes in combination. Bone marrow and stem cell transplantation is also done in certain situations.

Act immediately when noticing the above signs in a child and you could save a life.

 

Sources
Cansa’s On the move for the youth campaign material
www.cansa.org.za