Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children, after infancy, in the United States. September has been designated as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to bring more attention to this tragic condition. Did you know that almost 300 children and adolescents in the US are diagnosed with cancer every week? About 400,000 children and adolescents worldwide develop cancer each year. Let’s talk more about it.
What is Childhood Cancer?
Childhood cancer describes any cancer that occurs from birth through 14 years of age. Some infants are actually born with cancer, which developed while they were still in the womb. Compared to adult cancer, childhood cancers are rare.What Causes Childhood Cancer?
For most childhood cancers, the cause is unknown. Here are some of the known causes:
- Genetic mutations that happen by chance. Mutations may be passed down from parents or develop spontaneously in the child.
- Viruses can cause some mutations, including human papillomavirus (HPV) and the hepatitis B and C viruses. Since 1991, when it was recommended for children starting at birth, the hepatitis B vaccine has been very effective at reducing the risk of chronic liver disease in children as well as liver cancer.
- Childhood cancer risk can be influenced by environmental exposures such as air pollution, pesticides, household chemicals, and parental occupational exposures, particularly exposures during prenatal development and early childhood. This is especially true when combined with genetic susceptibility.
What Are the Different Types of Childhood Cancers?
There are more than 100 types of cancer that happen in children. The most common childhood cancers include:
- Leukemias – especially acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
- Brain and central nervous system tumors – which vary widely in type and severity.
- Neuroblastoma – typically affecting infants and young children.
- Wilms tumor – a kidney cancer most often found in preschool-aged children.
- Lymphomas – lymphomas occur when cancer cells grow and multiply mostly outside of the bone marrow in the lymphatic system.
What Are the Symptoms of Childhood Cancer?
Early symptoms and signs can be subtle or confused with usual childhood illnesses. They include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained fevers
- Unusual bruising
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Lumps
These symptoms are usually caused by common childhood illnesses but if they are persistent or severe, they should be evaluated by the child’s pediatrician or family doctor promptly.
Next week, we will continue our discussion, focusing on how childhood cancers are treated and how families can be supported through this very difficult time.
For additional information, try these links:
If you have any questions about childhood cancer, please log into your account and send us your question. We are here to help.
Dr. Anita Bennett MD – Health Tip Content Editor