Childhood Cancer

Like any other cancer the childhood cancer results in the growth of abnormal and rapidly growing cells which do not die and multiply vigorously.

This weakens the overall immune system of a child, thus taking off the child’s strength.

This in turn leads to destroying organs and bones of the child, making them more prone to illness.

This disease is less common in the United States. The most common childhood cancers are the brain cancerleukemia and the lymphoma. The occurrence of the childhood cancer or child cancer is about 14 of every 100,000 children.

Causes and Risk Factors

This cancer risk factors differ immensely from those of adults. For example the adult risk factors such as smoking or exposure to environmental toxins, which cause cancer in adults usually, are not the same factors that may cause childhood cancer or child cancer. Rarely, there may be an increased risk of this disease in children who have a genetic condition, such as Down syndrome.

Childhood Cancer Symptoms or Childhood Cancer Signs

  • Nausea which persists or vomiting without nausea
  • Constant tiredness or noticeable paleness
  • Eye or vision changes which occur suddenly and persist
  • Recurrent or persistent fevers of unknown origin
  • Continued, unexplained weight loss
  • Headaches, often with early morning vomiting
  • Increased swelling or persistent pain in bones, joints, back, or legs
  • Development of excessive bruising, bleeding, or rash
  • Constant infections
  • A whitish color behind the pupil
  • Lump or mass, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis, or armpits

Childhood Cancer Prevention

Unfortunately there are no preventive steps for childhood cancer or child cancer as these cancers are almost all the time as a result of noninherited mutations (or changes) in the genes of growing cells. As these changes in the genes are random and sudden they cannot be prevented.

Children who already had a chemotherapy or radiation treatment for a prior cancer are at high risk of developing the disease. Often with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, at a time of life when bodies are growing and developing the childhood cancer or child cancer is treated aggressively.

Childhood Cancer or Child Cancer facts predict that although the 5 year survival rate is steadily increasing surprisingly almost one quarter of children will die 5 years from the time of diagnosis. Also cancer remains the number one disease killer of America’s children

Statistics and research show that out of 330 children one child is affected by childhood cancer or child cancer. Each school day, 46 children are diagnosed with childhood cancer or child cancer.

Statistics and research show that out of 330 children one child is affected by childhood cancer or child cancer. Each school day, 46 children are diagnosed with childhood cancer or child cancer.

The diagnosis of cancer in a child can really shake at and uproot the foundation of a happy family. But there are support systems in place for families facing such a situation.