Baby A, 5 year old female had a recurrent tendency to easy bruising since 3 years of age. The parents dismissed it for a while until it could no longer be ignored. She was diagnosed with Leukaemia, an abnormal proliferation of the blood cells; commonly known as blood cancer.
4 year old Master Z was complaining of severe abdominal pains with malaise, nausea, weakness and loss of appetite. His parents consulted a number of doctors before he was finally diagnosed with a condition called Wilms Tumour. It is a cancer of the kidney commonly seen in children.
And many other such cases can be quoted where the symptoms a child presented with were seemingly harmless and it was only after much time, consultations and doctor visits that the child was diagnosed with Cancer causing a great amount of panic, anxiety and suffering for the parents.
For years now we’ve been celebrating the festival of Dusshera in India and all over the world; a festival with the significant learning of how “good always triumphs over evil.” Dusshera is also known as Vijayadashmi which when roughly translated means “triumph of good over evil“. In all the other mythologies, religions and countries as well this idea is celebrated in the form of various mythological stories, incidents, events, festivals and folklore. Cancer is such an evil and relentless efforts are being made by us all in order to gain victory over it.
On the last day of this Childhood Cancer Awareness month (2017), which coincides with Dusshera, it’s time to create some more awareness!
There are certain ways in which we can prevent cancer or detect cancers in their early stages when they are still treatable. Children are highly sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment and hence early detection which leads to quick action can save lives.
Screening is a method by which susceptible individuals can be tested so as to keep cancer at bay. It is also a tool that comes in handy for early detection and treatment of cancers.
Screening is basically a strategy which is used in a population to identify the possible presence of an undiagnosed disease in individuals without any signs and symptoms. This can include people with pre-symptomatic or unrecognized symptomatic disease.
In adults there are various screening tests and techniques which help in the process of detection of cancers. In children however, there are no real recommended screens tests as childhood cancers are rare as compared to cancer in adults. They are still the number one cause of children deaths though.
Some children might have a higher predilection towards cancers because of the inheritance of a gene passed on by a parent. In such children regular check-ups are a must. A careful recording of the family history is therefore a must in all cases. Past history will also be helpful in detecting suspicious signs and symptoms.
Cancers in children can be hard to recognize due to the fact that their early symptoms mimic certain common injuries and illnesses which might mask their existence. And it is always better to be safe than sorry. Have your child checked by a doctor in case you notice any unusual or persistent symptoms like:
Picture taken from be child cancer aware org
1) Sudden unexplained weight loss
2) Unusual lump or swelling
3) Sudden paleness and loss of energy
4) Easy bruising
5) An ongoing pain in one area
6) Limping, bone pains or joint pains
7) Unexplained fever or illness that doesn’t go away
8) Frequent headaches with vomiting
9) Sudden eye or vision changes
A majority of these symptoms can also be caused by common infections or injuries but if your child had any symptoms, see a doctor and find the cause so that treatment can be initiated.
Depending on the type of cancer, a variety of other symptoms can be encountered and based on the type of cancer being suspected, investigations might vary. These include blood counts, imaging tests, biopsy etc. But the above mentioned are the common group of symptoms and signs one should be on the lookout for and they should never be ignored.
Commonly encountered cancers in children
Remember always, “PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.” This international childhood cancer awareness month I’ve done my bit to spread as much knowledge and awareness as a blog or social media would permit. Have you done your bit by sharing and spreading awareness yet? If not, do it now!
And as always, stay healthy, stay happy :).
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