Today, February 15th, is International Childhood Cancer Day, a global, collaborative effort to raise awareness about childhood cancer and improve understanding and support for children and families.
While the number of children who develop cancer is much lower than the number of adults, four families every day in the UK, will still receive the heartbreaking news that their child has cancer.
This International Childhood Cancer Day, we want to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer. We want parents to feel confident that they can recognise the signs and symptoms and trust their instincts.
It’s important to understand that cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, which affects the care and support they need too. While many cancers in adults can be influenced by risk factors or the natural ageing of the body, childhood cancers don’t have a known cause and are often different to the types of cancer adults get too. The most common types of cancers in children aged 0-14 years are leukaemias, brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumours, and lymphomas.
Early diagnosis of childhood cancer can be crucial so take a few moments to familiarise yourself with the symptoms.
Cancer symptoms can be very similar to other illnesses and vary between children. The following symptoms are usually not cancer but please visit your doctor if your child has any of these symptoms:
- Continued, unexplained weight loss.
- Headaches, often with early morning vomiting.
- Increased swelling or persistent pain in the bones, joints, back or legs.
- Lump or mass, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or armpits.
- Development of excessive bruising, bleeding or rash.
- Constant, frequent, or persistent infections.
- A whitish colour behind the pupil.
- Nausea that persists, or vomiting without nausea.
- Constant tiredness or noticeable paleness.
- Eye or vision changes that occur suddenly or persist.
- Recurring or persistent fevers of unknown origin.
Childhood cancer symptoms often appear in clusters, are persistent and can be progressive. While these traits don’t automatically mean cancer, parents should trust their instincts and speak to a doctor if they are concerned.
Research is being done to better understand what causes cancer in children. We know that parents of children with cancer can sometimes feel like something they did, or didn’t do, caused their child’s cancer. However, the causes of childhood cancers remain unknown – there is no known way to prevent them, and no one should feel blamed.
At Candlelighters, we’re here to support the whole family affected by childhood cancer and understand the challenges families face. Have a look at how we can support your family, here.
Learn more about symptoms of and treatments for childhood cancer here.
