Cancers which affect children

Most of the time, doctors don't know why kids get cancer. In children, a genetic condition, such as Down syndrome , can sometimes increase the risk of cancer. Kids who have had chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer are more likely to get cancer again. But most cases of childhood cancer happen because of random mutations changes in the genes of growing cells. Because these changes happen randomly, there is no effective way to prevent them.

Getting treatment at a medical center that specializes in pediatric oncology treatment of childhood cancer can help kids with cancer get the best care. Doctors may use one or more of these treatments for a child who has cancer. The type of treatment needed depends on the child's age, the type of cancer, and how severe the cancer is.

The main goal when treating kids with cancer is to cure them. While treatment may cause side effects, many medicines and therapies can make kids more comfortable while they're treated for cancer. When possible, involve kids with their own cancer treatment. Use language your child will understand and explain the facts about the cancer and its effects.

With a younger child — toddlers and those younger than age 4 — saying that they are "sick" and need "medicine" to get better can be enough of an explanation. For all age groups, the goal is to prevent fear and misunderstanding. The changes are considered to be random, although in some cases, they could be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation. Types of cancer in children The types of cancer seen in children differ from those in adults.

Symptoms of cancer in children Symptoms will vary greatly depending on the type of cancer. Having medical tests can be unpleasant for everyone, but it can be especially difficult for children.

Your healthcare professionals can help you to support your child through this difficult time. To diagnose cancer, the specialist will use tests that vary depending on the type of cancer. Typical tests include: biopsy — a small amount of tumour is removed and analysed blood tests bone marrow aspirate — a small amount of bone marrow is taken using a needle and analysed imaging tests — bone scan, CT scan computed tomography , MRI magnetic resonance imaging , PET positron emission tomography , ultrasound or x-ray lumbar puncture — a small amount of spinal fluid is removed using a needle and analysed.

The meaning of stages depends on the type of cancer, but in general, the stages are: stage 1 — cancer has not spread to other parts of the body stages 2 and 3 — cancer has spread to areas close to the original main or primary tumour for example, lymph nodes stage 4 — cancer has spread metastasised to other areas of the body and may have produced secondary tumours.

Treatment for cancer in children The treatments for cancer will depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Typical treatments used, alone or in combination, include: surgery — common for solid tumours radiation therapy — uses high-energy x-rays to kill or damage cancer cells, but can damage other cells close to the area being treated chemotherapy — drugs that are toxic to cancer cells, but may also be toxic to healthy cells in the body immunotherapy also known as biological therapy — a wide variety of treatments based on biological molecules that aim to boost the immune system to specifically kill cancer cells.

Much cancer research goes towards developing new immunotherapies for cancer. Clinical trials are available for many types of cancer, which either test new treatments, new combinations of treatments or better ways of dealing with side effects.

Side effects of cancer treatments Although treatment is designed to kill or damage cancer cells, it usually also kills some healthy cells and this results in side effects.

You should speak with your healthcare professionals about how best to deal with the most likely side effects of the treatments being used for your child. Complementary medicine or therapy and cancer Some people may choose to include therapies such as massage and relaxation to support their children to cope with their cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Other complementary treatments such as herbal therapies and dietary changes are not scientifically proven to help and may be harmful. In some cases, the complementary treatment can make the conventional treatment less effective. Always consult your doctor if you are thinking of starting complementary and alternative medicine for your child. Never let your child stop taking their conventional medicine or alter the dose without the knowledge and approval of your doctor.

Children diagnosed with cancer: dealing with diagnosis , American Cancer Society. More information here. International Childhood Cancer Awareness month is celebrated in September each year.

Gold ribbons are worn to help raise awareness worldwide. This is due to a lack of knowledge regarding the disease and how it presents in children. As a result, many children are diagnosed too late , when the cancer is already in an advanced stage, thus diminishing the possibility of successful treatment. Cancer stigma and myths are rife, especially among certain local ethnic groups.

Myths surrounding childhood cancer need to be debunked to ensure that children are referred to specialists without delay. Greater awareness of the warning signs of childhood cancer can encourage earlier diagnosis and lead to improved outcomes for all ethnic groups.

Whilst South Africa has an established oncology healthcare service, the infrastructure is overburdened, the cancer awareness in the primary healthcare service is poor, and widespread service delivery challenges exist.

A research paper carried in Stones, David K.