11 facts about childhood cancer parents should know

As the name suggests, childhood or childhood cancer refers to cancer that occurs in children under the age of 15. It is a rare disease, but remains the leading cause of disease-related deaths among children. There are several types of pediatric cancer, and leukemia is the most common. It starts in the bone marrow and affects the production of red and white blood cells. The cause is not clear, but genes appear to play a role in it. On International Childhood Cancer Day, February 15th, there are important facts about pediatric cancer that parents should know.

What is pediatric cancer?

It refers to cancer that occurs in children under the age of 15. “The most common types include solid tumors such as leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas, neuroblastoma and Wilms tumors,” says oncologist Dr. Manish Sharma. Cancer begins with genetic changes in single cells that grow into tumors and affect other parts of the body. Survivorship has its own unique challenges, including potential long-term health impacts. Still, early diagnosis and on-time treatment can help your child live a fulfilling life.

Facts about childhood cancer

Some important facts about childhood cancer include:

1. Childhood cancer is not a single illness

“One of the facts about pediatric cancer is that it is the term for more than 12 major types and more than 100 subtypes of umbrellas,” says oncologist Dr. Minish Jain. Leukemia is one of the most common cancers in childhood. Cancer cells begin to grow in the bone marrow and then enter the child’s blood.

2. Pediatric cancer is rare

There are many types, but many children are not affected by them. That’s one of the facts about childhood cancer. “It’s relatively rare in terms of prevalence,” says Dr. Sharma. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 400,000 children and adolescents around the world develop cancer every year.

3. It is the main cause of death related to illness in children

Although rarer than adult cancer, it is one of the main reasons behind the deaths of children around the world. This is the leading cause of disease-related deaths in children aged 1 to 14, according to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention in 2022.

4. Survival rate has been improved

One fact about childhood cancer is that over the past half century, the outlook for children with cancer has improved dramatically. In the mid-1970s, 58% (ages 0-14) of children diagnosed with cancer survived at least five years, according to the National Cancer Institute. Between 2013 and 2019, the 5-year survival rate was 83.2% for children under 1 year old and 85.5% for children aged 10-14 years.

5. The cause of childhood cancer is almost unknown

“The exact cause of most childhood cancers remains unknown and is not generally linked to lifestyle factors like diet,” says Dr. Sharma. They are usually caused by random genetic variation. “Some cases may have genetic predispositions, meaning that children are at a higher risk of developing cancer,” says Jain.

6. Symptoms can be difficult to detect

One fact about childhood cancer is that early symptoms may be vague and may resemble common illnesses. “These can include weight loss of unknown cause, persistent fever, fatigue, bone pain, abnormal mass or swelling, frequent infections, and headaches,” says Dr. Jane.

7. Treatment has long-term side effects

Many pediatric cancer survivors face lifelong health challenges due to the intensity of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments such as immunotherapy and hormone therapy. “Survivors may experience the effects of treatment, including growth retardation, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of secondary cancer,” says Dr. Sharma.

8. Early diagnosis improves survival rate

While learning about the facts about childhood cancer, remember that timely diagnosis is extremely important. “Right-day health checkups, perceptions between parents and pediatricians can lead to early detection and improved outcomes of treatment,” says Dr. Jain.

9. Children respond differently to treatment

“Children generally respond better to treatments like chemotherapy than adults because their bodies can withstand higher doses,” says Dr. Jain. However, as their bodies are still developing, they may become more vulnerable to long-term therapeutic effects.

10. A support system is required

“Comprehensive care includes psychological support for both children suffering from cancer and their families to address the emotional challenges of cancer diagnosis,” says Dr. Sharma. You should talk about it in a gentle way with your child. You can also encourage your child to connect with friends with messages, video chats and phone calls.

11. Preventing childhood cancer is not easy

“There is no definitive strategy to prevent childhood cancer as the causes are not currently well understood and are not linked to normally preventable risk factors,” says Dr. Sharma. However, ensuring a healthy environment, staying away from pesticides and herbicides, and maintaining regular pediatric checkups can help with early detection and management. Genetic counseling may provide help to families with a history of cancer.

Cancer cannot be prevented in children. That’s one of the facts about childhood cancer. However, as a parent, you should be aware of warning signs such as weight loss of unknown cause and persistent pain.