International Childhood Cancer Day: All About Childhood Cancer

Every year International childhood cancer is celebrated on 15 February to spread awareness about childhood cancer. Cancer is one of the most common diseases prevalent these days in children and adolescents. Every year, approximately 400,000 children develop cancer and a lot of deaths occur due to this. The most common type of cancer found in children is leukaemia also known as acute lymphocytic leukaemia. Usually, cancers develop in the same pattern. Cancer cells grow in an uncontrollable way in unusual shapes and sizes. These cells work by destroying the nearby cells. The affected person started to feel weak with the development or advancement of the cancer cells. The other after-effects are non-functioning of body, weak immune system, organ damage etc. 

What causes cancer in children?

Doctors are frequently baffled as to why children develop cancer. Down syndrome is a rare medical condition that occurs due to genetic mutations. It increases the risk of cancer in children. Children who have undergone cancer treatment such as chemotherapy are more prone to contract cancer in the future. However, the majority of childhood cancers are caused by random mutations in the DNA of developing cells. 

What is the treatment of childhood cancer?

Treatment at a paediatric oncology-focused medical centre can help children receive the best possible care. 

Children’s cancer therapy options include:

• Surgery- To eliminate malignant cells or tumours

• Chemotherapy- medicines are used to kill cancerous cells

• Radiation- Radiant energy is used to eliminate cancer cells

• Bone-marrow or step cell transplantation- It involves injecting healthy stem cells into the bloodstream so that they can produce new and healthy blood, bone marrow and immune system cells

For a child with cancer, doctors may employ one or more of these treatments. The needed treatment is determined by the age of the kid, the type of cancer and the severity of the malignancy. 

What can parents do to assist children with cancer?

The primary goal of cancer treatment for children is to cure them. While treatment may have its own repercussions, several drugs and therapies can help children feel more at ease while receiving cancer treatment. 

When possible, love children who are undergoing cancer treatment. Explain the facts about cancer and its effects in a way that your child will comprehend. When it comes to younger children such as toddlers and those under the age of four, simply explaining that they are unwell and need medicine to get better can suffice. The goal for all age groups is to avoid fear and misunderstanding about cancer.