Cancer is a word that evokes fear, especially when associated with young children. However, thanks to medical advancements, childhood cancer is no longer a hopeless diagnosis. As a pediatric oncologist, I want to provide some clarity and hope about childhood cancer diagnosis and ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for young patients.
Occurrence and common types
One million new cancers are diagnosed every year in India, and about 3% of these occur in children. The most common types include leukemia (blood cancer), brain tumors, and lymphoma.
Unlike cancers that occur in adults, which are often linked to lifestyle factors such as smoking or diet, childhood cancers are usually caused by random genetic mutations. This makes early detection particularly challenging, as there are few early warning signs.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms of childhood cancer can vary depending on the type, but often include persistent fever, gradual paleness, bleeding, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, unusual lumps or swelling, unexplained headaches, and vomiting.
If your child has any of these symptoms for a long time, it is important to consult a doctor. Timely diagnosis is very important for effective treatment.
Treatment
If the doctor suspects cancer, they may recommend a biopsy, imaging tests or blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Once identified, the type and stage of cancer guide the treatment plan, which may include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation or a combination of these. In some cases, targeted or immunotherapy, which are designed to attack cancer cells more precisely, may be used. A multidisciplinary approach that includes pediatric oncologists, pediatric surgeons, radiation oncologists, psychologists, nutritionists and trained nursing staff is important to deal with children with cancer. With the rising survival rate of childhood cancer, it has been realized that it is important not just to treat it, but to treat it with the least toxic protocol possible.
Better survival rates
The good news is that survival rates have improved significantly in recent decades. Today, about 85% of children with cancer in high-income countries survive five years or longer. However, survival rates can be lower in low- and middle-income countries due to limited access to healthcare.
hope for the future
Although battling childhood cancer is never easy, it can be full of hope. With continued research, compassionate care, and early intervention, we are moving toward a future where more children will thrive.
The author is Dr. Megha Saroha, Consultant, Pediatric Hematology Oncology & BMT, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram.
Disclaimer: The veracity of the claims made in this article rests with the concerned hospital and doctor.
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