The German Cancer Society said that some signs warn a child of cancer, namely:

  • Unexplained weight loss.

  • pallor.

  • Constant lethargy and fatigue.

  • Poor focus.

  • Persistent and unexplained fever.

  • Constant pain in the limbs and joints for no apparent reason.

  • Frequent blue spots.

  • White glint in the eye.

  • Abnormal bloating of the abdomen.

  • Night sweats.

A doctor should be consulted as soon as these symptoms are noticed to conduct the necessary tests and start treatment in a timely manner in the event that a cancerous disease is confirmed, knowing that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chances of treatment.

It is noteworthy that the causes of cancer in children are genetic and environmental factors such as air pollution, and the most common cancerous diseases in children are leukemia and brain and spinal cord tumors.

blood cancer

According to the World Health Organization, about 400,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed each year among children and adolescents, between the ages of birth and 19 years.

The most common types of cancer in children include leukemia, brain cancer, lymphomas and solid tumors, such as neuroblastomas and Wilms' tumors.

In high-income countries where universal services are generally available, more than 80% of children with cancer recover, and in low- and middle-income countries, it is estimated that between 15% and 45% are cured.

In general, childhood cancer cannot be prevented or identified by screening, the organization says.

Most types of childhood cancer can be treated with medication and other types of treatment, including surgery and radiation therapy.

Deaths from preventable childhood cancers in low- and middle-income countries are attributed to underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, or delays in diagnosis, barriers to accessing care, neglect of treatment, and death due to toxicity and high relapse rates.

The World Health Organization says cancer is one of the leading causes of death for children and adolescents, especially in high-income countries.

The likelihood that children diagnosed with cancer will survive depends on which country the child lives in: in high-income countries, more than 80% of children with cancer are cured, but in many low- and middle-income countries, between 15% and 45 are cured only % of them.

What are the causes of cancer in children?

The World Health Organization says cancer affects people of all ages and can affect any part of the body.

It begins with a genetic change in individual cells that then grow into a mass (or tumor), invade other parts of the body and cause damage and death if left untreated.

Other than adult cancer, the vast majority of childhood cancers are of unknown etiology.

Many studies have sought to determine the causes of childhood cancer, but very few types of childhood cancer are caused by environmental exposure or lifestyle factors.

Childhood cancer prevention efforts should focus on behaviors that protect children from preventable cancer as adults.

Some chronic infections, such as HIV, Epstein-Barr virus and malaria, are risk factors for childhood cancer and are particularly important in low- and middle-income countries.

Other infections can increase a child's risk of developing cancer as an adult, so vaccinations "for hepatitis B (B) to help prevent liver cancer, and for HPV to help prevent cervical cancer are necessary. uterus” and other methods such as early detection and treatment of chronic conditions that can cause cancer.

Current data indicate that approximately 10% of all children diagnosed with cancer have a predisposition to developing it for reasons related to genetic factors.

More research is needed to determine the factors that influence the development of cancer in children.

Since childhood cancer is generally not preventable, the most effective strategy to reduce the burden of childhood cancer and improve health outcomes is to focus on prompt and accurate diagnosis and then the availability of effective treatment and tailored supportive care.

early diagnosis

When cancer is diagnosed early, a person is more likely to respond to effective treatment, thereby increasing their chances of survival, reducing their suffering, reducing the high costs of treatment and, often, reducing the burden of treatment.

Significant improvements in the lives of children with cancer can be made by detecting cancer early and avoiding late care.

Correct diagnosis of cancer is essential to treating children with cancer because each type of cancer requires a specific course of treatment, which may involve surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.