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Childhood Cancer |
Childhood Cancer As a whole, childhood cancer is a not common occurrence.
Only 14 out of every 100,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer. Unlike adults, most factors that trigger childhood cancer are not often due to smoking or environmental conditions, but are actually caused by certain genetic conditions, often unpredictably. Childhood cancer though, works the same way as other types of cancer – cells develop abnormally and destroy other surrounding cells, and eventually spread to tissues and organs in the body.
For children, the most common types of cancer is leukemia (where cancer originates from the white blood cells), lymphoma (where the lymphatic tissues are first affected), and brain cancer. With leukemia especially, symptoms are marked by a rise in both fevers and infections, and can cause anemia.
Further spread of leukemia to the brain can cause further symptoms including headaches, seizures and defective vision. While difficult to spot, early symptoms of leukemia can be detected through regular check-ups.
Another type of common cancer that can occur in children is osteosarcoma. This cancer begins in the bones, and eventually spreads to other areas. Osteosarcoma is more common in boys than in girls, especially those who are taller than the average height. It is very difficult to detect childhood cancer.
Many of the symptoms the child may manifest, including persistent infections, fevers, anemia, or bruising, can be attributed to other illnesses. Once diagnosed however, parents should always immediately seek treatment from doctors who specializes in pediatric oncology. The earlier the cancer is detected, the faster and easier it can be treated.
Further testing may be required to determine the type of cancer, as well as the spread of the cancer cells in the body. A bone marrow biopsy can be conducted, where marrow samples are removed for testing.
Lumbar punctures are processes where some spinal fluid is removed from the child and checked for cancer cells.
There are many different childhood cancer treatments that can be used, and perhaps the most common form of treatment is chemotherapy. This is a process where a combination of medicines and radiation can effectively kill cancer cells within the body. Surgery is also another option. With children suffering from osteosarcoma, or with solid cancer cells that have yet to spread to other parts of the body, surgery can be a good alternative.
The type of treatment the child receives ultimately depends on the severity of the cancer, and the child’s age.
Cancer nutrition should also be provided for; many children tend to suffer from a loss of appetite, and can be more susceptible to their illnesses, since cancer cells often affect the body’s immunity. A proper diet and nutrition can ensure that children remain healthy enough to combat cancer.
Throughout these procedures, it is important for the child to be aware of their cancer treatments, especially older children. Necessary details should be provided when possible as this allows them to understand the process they are going through.
Indeed, it is very difficult to deliver the most difficult message to the child. However, many children may even opt to feel guilty and blame themselves for the cancer. Instead of allowing them to pity themselves and loosing the firm grip to battle life’s big C, and it is important to talk to them on with a counselor or psychologist. Coping with cancer can be especially difficult for kids – but with the proper help and attention provided, misunderstandings and unnecessary fears can be easily prevented.
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