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The most common cancers in children are blood cancers (leukemia), lymphoma (lymphoma), brain cancers, muscle and bone cancers (sarcomas) and kidney tumors (Wilms tumor). ).
The treatment of children with cancer is very specialized.
STRONG POINTS
- In India, 2-4% of cancer patients are children
- 80% of children with cancer can heal
- Cancer cure in a child is only possible if treatment is complete
Although cancer is becoming more common, it remains a rare disease in children. In India, 2-4% of all cancer patients are children. Yet in India, 50,000 children will develop cancer each year. The most common cancers in children are blood cancers (leukemia), lymphoma (lymphoma), brain cancers, muscle and bone cancers (sarcomas) and kidney tumors (Wilms tumor). ). In most cases, these cancers in children do not have an underlying cause. If a child develops cancer, it is important to know that nothing the parents or the child could have done to prevent it.
In India, 50,000 children will develop cancer each year.
Photo credit: iStock
It is important that we diagnose these children on time and that we provide them with a fair and comprehensive treatment. With this, 80% of children with cancer can heal. Treatment depends on the type of cancer and includes medications (chemotherapy), radiation therapy and surgery.
Also read: World Cancer Day 2019: What foods and drinks are most likely to cause cancer?
To give a child with cancer in India the best chance of recovery, we need to do the following:
Get the diagnosis and start the treatment on time. Parents of children with cancer can improve the chances of a cure by calling for medical badistance as soon as the child feels unwell and cancer is suspected. The health care team can help by knowing the symptoms of childhood cancer and referring it urgently to the appropriate center if there is a suspicion of cancer. The symptoms of cancer in children vary and can sometimes resemble those of other common childhood diseases. If any of the following symptoms persist or recur in a child, see a doctor:
- Unusual size or swelling
- Unexplained pallor and loss of energy
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Persistent pain in a region of the body including bones, joints, and back
- lameness
- Unexplained fever or illness that does not go away
- Frequent headaches, often accompanied by vomiting
- Change or aggravation of walking, balance or speech
- Sudden changes in the eye or vision, including a white patch on the eye, a new strabismus, a new blindness, a bulging eyeball
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss
Read also: The first signs and symptoms of blood cancer not to be missed
Appropriate treatment at the appropriate center
The treatment of children with cancer is very specialized. Physicians trained in this field, that is, pediatric oncologists, have every interest in doing so. In addition, a team of experts is needed to provide the best care. These include cancer / pediatric surgeons, radiation facilities, a blood bank and an intensive care unit. A good center will have all this available. The treatment is often long and complex and relies on scientific knowledge acquired worldwide over many years. Make sure the treatment is done with the latest national or international protocols. Sometimes a clinical trial may be available in the treatment center. In such a case, parents should discuss with the doctor if their child should be enrolled.
Social and psychological support
Cancer cure in a child is only possible if the treatment is completed. During treatment, the child and the family need all the support of family and friends, as well as the care team. Support can take the form of social support (help with food, housing, medicine, tests, etc.) and psychological support (counseling, support group, etc.). Open and ongoing communication between parents and the caregiver team is essential.
Read also: Busted! The most common myths and misconceptions about cancer
(Dr. Ramandeep Singh Arora is an Oncologist at Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi)
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