The most common health concern across the globe is Cancer. As we know older adults are at risk of cancer but children also face the threat of developing cancer. Over 50000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year which means every 10 minutes one child is diagnosed with cancer. so if you are curious to know more about childhood cancer so in this article we will talk about Common Types of Childhood Cancers and Guidelines on Prevention.
Common Types of Childhood Cancers:-
Below is the list of common types of childhood cancers:-
Leukaemia:-
Leukaemia cancer means blood cancer which starts from the blood-forming tissues including bone marrow and the lymphatic system. mostly it attacks white blood cells. and white blood cells are most important for everybody due to their fight tendency against infections and germs. people who have this cancer below are some common symptoms following:-
- Weakness
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen Lymph nodes
- Weight loss
- Bleeding
- Nosebleeds
- Red spots on the skin
- Bone and muscle pain
- Sweating
There are not any specific causes of this cancer. it mainly starts growing as blood cells develop mutations. the main risk of this condition is due to genetic disorders and previous cancer treatments in any individual. in addition, anyone who is addicted to smoking or exposed to chemicals such as benzene can also be at high risk.
There is not any way to prevent leukaemia. The survival rate is only 15 to 20 per cent. according to the studies out of the total children diagnosed most suffer from leukaemia. it means leukaemia is the most common type of childhood cancer. most leukaemia cases are seen up to 20 years of age of the child.
Brain Tumour:-
Brain tumour means the abnormal growth of cells in the brain. some brain tumours can be non – cancerous but most of these are malignant and can result in childhood cancer. in starting phase it starts growing around the brain or tissues like the brain-covering membranes it is also called meninges, cranial nerves, pituitary gland or pineal gland. this cancer may be developed when the cells in your brain develop a mutation.
some symptoms are the following:-
- Problems in vision
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Mild Headaches
- Weakness
- Confusion
- not able to follow instructions
- Personality change
- Behaviour change
- Hearing problems
Those people who are exposed to radiation and have a family history of brain tumours are most of the highest risk of developing this cancer. till now there is no particular way to prevent this condition. but individuals can reduce their risk by avoiding any exposure to active and passive smoke also radiation therapy.
cancer which arises from a brain tumour has a survival rate of nearly 60 to 80 per cent.
Lymphoma:-
One of the most common cancers in children is Lymphoma. it is a kind of cancer which starts developing in the immune system’s infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. these cells are mostly found in the spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow and other body parts. the patient with this cancer faces abnormal growth of lymphocytes. below are some common symptoms:-
- Shortness of breath
- cough
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Itching
- Night Sweat
There are no specific causes behind lymphoma. but if children have a weak immune system and who have Hiv/Aids or recovered from any organ transplants has a high risk of developing this cancer.
The child may produce this cancer if they have any immune-related diseases like lupus, celiac disease, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Lymphoma has a survival rate of about 80 to 90 per cent.
Wilms Tumour:-
It is a type of kidney cancer which is very rare. it can affect one or both kidneys. That is why the cells around the kidney are affected by this. this is due to mainly the errors in the DNA of these cells. this error enables it to grow abnormally and spread across the body. below are some common symptoms
- Fever
- Blood in urine
- Abdominal swelling
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- High Blood Pressure
That child has a previous family history of this cancer are much at risk of developing this cancer. A child who carries aniridia and hemihypertrophy from their birth may cause this condition.
There are hardly any particular ways to prevent this cancer but doctors suggest kidney ultrasounds from time to time. by this doctor can check the abnormalities in the kidney.
Its survival rate is 90 to 100 per cent.
Guidelines on Preventing Cancer:-
It is difficult to predict or prevent any developing cancer in anyone but parents can tell their child to follow the below steps to reduce the risk of this cancer.
- Try to explain to the child to quit smoking and away from those people who smoke
- Protect the child from direct exposure to the sun by using sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
- Develop the healthy and balanced diet
- Daily exercise with the child
- Avoid infection in your child
Cancer is the most dangerous disease across the globe in addition child usually has less immunity and ability to endure than adults. that is why it is important to try and avoid developing cancer in children.
FAQ:-
Q1:- What causes cancer in kids?
Ans:- In most cases, a DNA mutation, which is random and not inherited, is responsible for causing cancer in children.
Q2:- What is the most common type of childhood cancer?
Ans:- leukaemias, brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumours, and lymphomas
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