Does your little one have cancer? (Childhood Cancer) - Let's be aware of this!

When we hear the word "cancer," we all cringe a little, don't we? There are no words to describe the fear and shock we feel, especially when that word is associated with our own child. But don't worry. Today we are going to talk about childhood cancer. It is very important to have a correct understanding of this. Because today, with advanced treatment methods, there is a much greater chance of children being cured of these conditions.

What is childhood cancer?

Simply put, childhood cancer is a group of cancers that affect children between the ages of 0 and 19. This includes both pediatric cancers, which affect children from infancy to 14 years of age, and adolescent cancers, which affect young children from 15 to 19 years of age.

Even in a country like America, about 15,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year. But the best thing is, thanks to new, child-friendly treatments, 8 out of 10 children are still alive after five years. However, we must also remember that even after these treatments, we need to continue to pay attention to the child's health.

What types of cancer do children develop?

Childhood cancers can be divided into three main categories:

1. Leukemia and Lymphoma

2. Brain and spinal cord tumors

3. Solid tumors

Let's look at each of these in a little more detail.

1. Leukemia and Lymphoma

These are blood cancers .

• Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children. It starts in the child's bone marrow. As you know, the bone marrow is where our blood cells are made.
• Lymphoma begins in the blood-forming cells of a child's lymphatic system. It is the third most common type of cancer in children.

The most common types of leukemia in children are:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) - This is the most common cancer diagnosis in children.
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

The most common types of lymphoma in children are:

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma - This also has subtypes such as Burkitt lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

2. Brain and spinal cord tumors

These are the second most common type of cancer in children. They develop when normal cells in a child's central nervous system (CNS) turn into cancer cells. There are different types of these, such as Medulloblastoma and Glioma. But all these names don't matter to you, the main thing is to know that cancer can develop in these places.

3. Solid tumors

Solid tumors are formed when cancer cells divide, multiply, and join together to form a mass. They can develop anywhere on a child's body. Here are some examples:

• Bone cancer - such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.
• Germ cell tumor
• Hepatoblastoma (liver cancer)
• Neuroblastoma
• Retinoblastoma (eye cancer)
• Rhabdomyosarcoma (cancer of the muscles)
• Wilms tumor (kidney cancer)

What are the symptoms of childhood cancer?

Here's something very important. The symptoms of cancer in children can sometimes be similar to the symptoms of other illnesses in young children. Think about it, many young children get headaches, stomachaches, and minor bruises. Not all of these are signs of cancer. However, if any of these symptoms persist or get worse, you should definitely talk to a doctor about them.

To help you learn about childhood cancer, the Childhood Oncology Group has created a list of symptoms that will help you remember the letters of the English word `CHILDCANCER`. Let's take a look at what they are:

• C - `Continued, unexplained weight loss`: Continued, unexplained weight loss.
• H - `Headaches, often with early-morning vomiting`: Headaches, especially if accompanied by vomiting in the morning.
• I - `Increased swelling or persistent pain in bones, joints, back or legs`: Increased swelling or persistent pain in bones, joints, back or legs.
• L - `Lump or mass`: If a lump or mass is found in the neck, chest, armpit, abdomen, or pelvis.
• D - `Development of excessive bruising, bleeding or a rash`: Excessive bruising, bleeding (e.g. nosebleeds, bleeding gums) or a sudden rash on the skin without any reason.
• C - `Constant, frequent or persistent infections`: Infections that occur frequently and persist (e.g. fever, cough).
• A - `A whitish color behind the pupil`: If a whitish color is visible inside the eye, behind the black iris (pupil).
• N - `Nausea that persists, or vomiting without nausea`: Nausea that persists, or vomiting without nausea.
• C - `Constant tiredness (fatigue) or noticeable paleness (pallor)`: Constant tiredness (fatigue) or noticeable paleness (pallor)`.
• E - `Eye or vision changes that occur suddenly and persist`: Changes in vision that occur suddenly and persist (e.g., seeing one thing or two things, blurred vision).
• R - `Recurring or persistent fevers`: A fever that comes back or continues (especially one with no identifiable cause) rather than a common cold.

If your child has one or more of these symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean they have cancer. However, it's best to seek medical advice to rule out any doubts.

Why do children get cancer?

Cancer occurs when our genes change (mutations) and abnormal cells form. These abnormal cancer cells divide rapidly, crowding out healthy cells. If left untreated, this cancer can spread throughout the body (metastatic cancer).

The same factors that cause cancer in adults (smoking, sun exposure, chemicals) generally don't apply to cancer in children. These genetic changes occur in children for reasons that researchers are still investigating. These changes can occur before or after the child is born.

Fortunately, cancer research has identified genetic changes associated with some childhood cancers. This information helps doctors choose the most effective treatment plan for their child.

Are there risk factors?

Doctors know that certain inherited genetic disorders can increase a child's risk of developing cancer. For example, in the United States, about 8 to 10 out of 100 children with cancer have a genetic condition associated with it. Examples include Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Down syndrome.

This does not mean that every child with this condition will develop cancer. However, if your child has this condition, your doctor may recommend cancer screenings.

How do doctors diagnose cancer in children?

Doctors use several tests to diagnose cancer:

• Blood tests: These check for abnormalities in the child's blood cells. These can be a sign of cancer.
• Imaging tests: These allow the doctor to see pictures of the organs and tissues inside your child's body. Examples include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and ultrasounds.
• Biopsy: A sample of fluid or tissue is taken from a suspicious area and a pathologist examines it under a microscope to see if there are cancer cells.
• Bone marrow biopsy and bone marrow aspiration : A sample of bone marrow is taken to check for cancer.
• Lumbar puncture: This involves taking a sample of the child's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (the clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) to check for cancer cells or tumor markers.
• Genetic tests: These look for genetic changes associated with some childhood cancers. These can help choose the best treatment.

How is childhood cancer treated?

There are several treatments for childhood cancer:

• Chemotherapy: This is the most common treatment for childhood cancer. It involves giving drugs to kill cancer cells. The child is treated in cycles. Each cycle includes a day of treatment and a day of recovery.
• Radiation therapy: This involves using a machine to send radiation to shrink or destroy the tumor. Or, a device that emits radiation to the tumor may be implanted inside the child's body.
• Stem cell transplant: This may be an option if your child has leukemia or lymphoma. First, high-dose chemotherapy is given to kill the cancer cells. Then, healthy blood-forming cells are taken from a donor and given to the child.
• Surgery: Sometimes surgeons can completely remove solid tumors. Other times, the child may need other treatments along with surgery.
• Immunotherapy and targeted therapy: These are relatively new treatments. Immunotherapy helps the child's own immune system fight the cancer. Targeted therapy targets specific genetic mutations in cancer cells. These treatments are sometimes given as part of a clinical trial.

What is a clinical trial? It is a study that tests the effectiveness of new cancer treatments. These are very important in the fight against cancer. If other treatments have not given enough relief, your doctor may refer your child to one of these trials.

All of this is done to provide the best possible care for your child.

When should I seek medical advice about my child?

Seek medical advice if your child:

• If the side effects of cancer treatment are worse than you expected.
• If your child is in ``remission'' (without signs or symptoms of cancer), and you start to notice signs that the cancer may be coming back.

Very rarely, cancer symptoms and treatment side effects can be medical emergencies. Your child's doctor will explain which symptoms require immediate treatment.

Can childhood cancer be cured?

In developed countries with good facilities, more than 8 out of 10 children with cancer are cured. This is based on the five-year survival rates for the most common childhood cancers.

The word "cure" is also used to describe a childhood cancer that has gone into remission. For example, 9 out of 10 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) go into remission (no more signs or symptoms of the cancer).

But it's important to remember that these survival rates are only estimates. They don't reflect specific factors that will affect your child's experience. That's why it's important to talk to your doctor about your child's prognosis.

What is the life expectancy of a child who has recovered from cancer?

Although childhood cancer is often curable, the effects of the disease can affect the child's long-term health. According to a recent study, those who survive childhood cancer may have a slightly shorter life expectancy than others. They are also more likely to develop health problems in adulthood, such as heart disease, hormone-related conditions, and secondary cancers.

But not everyone's risk is the same. A lot depends on the type of cancer the child had and the treatment they received. For example, stem cell transplants are more likely to have late effects. Treatments like surgery and low-dose chemotherapy are less likely to cause future problems.

However, every child who recovers from cancer needs long-term follow-up care. During this follow-up, regular tests are performed to detect any side effects that may occur after treatment.

What can I do to help my child?

Experts say to be open and honest when talking to your child about cancer. These can be difficult conversations. However, experts believe that children benefit from knowing what is happening to them and what to do about it. Older children and young children can understand straightforward explanations. If your child is young, you may want to talk to a child life specialist or child psychiatrist about how to talk to them about cancer.

As your child's caregiver, you are their greatest strength. You know your child best. Take cues from them and support them every step of the way.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Every year, thousands of parents hear the words "your child has cancer." But more and more often, they hear the words "we can treat, maybe even cure, your child's cancer."Thanks to new treatments, many more children and young people are recovering from cancer.

However, recovery is just one step in a lifelong journey of care. Your child's medical team will educate you about the care your child will need during and after treatment. Don't give up hope, with the right information and support, you can face this challenge.

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