The challenge of spotting cancer in children. Here's what to look out for

CANCER can be hard to detect in children. Pinning down the symptoms of childhood cancer is tricky because common illnesses or bruises can mask the early warning signs.

Relative to the prevalence of adult cancer, childhood cancer is statistically speaking, rare. Yet, despite its rarity, cancer is a leading cause of death for children and adolescents worldwide. The World Health Organisation reports that approximately 400 000 children and adolescents up till age 19 are diagnosed with cancer.

According to the Managing Director of National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), Dr Muralitharan M., a global response is needed to give every child the best chance of surviving cancer. Improving awareness and access to treatment is a crucial first step. In fact, in high income countries, where comprehensive services are generally accessible, more than 80 percent of children with cancer are cured, according to WHO. While in In low- and middle-income countries, an estimated 15 to 45 percent are cured.

COMMON TYPES OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Amongst the most common types of childhood cancer are leukemia, brain tumour, lymphoma and solid tumours which is known as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumours.

- Leukemia: Most common type of childhood cancer

- Brain tumors: the second most common form of cancer in children

- Lymphoma: Such as Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins lymphoma

- Neuroblastoma: Most common solid tumor outside of the brain in children

- Bone tumors: including Ewing's sarcoma and Osteosarcoma

- Retinoblastoma: An eye tumor that is usually detected by examining for a red reflex in a child's eye

- Wilm's Tumor: A kidney tumor that mostly affects young children between the ages of 2 and 4 years

The large abdominal mass in a child with Wilm's Tumor, is one that easy to recognise.

Other symptoms of cancer in children might include fever, frequent infections, bone pain, night sweats, vomiting, and headaches. These are also most common symptoms with children just like other less serious childhood illnesses.

- Continued, unexplained weight loss

- Headaches, often with early morning vomiting

- Increased swelling or persistent pain in the bones, joints, back, or legs

- Bump 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 and persist

- Recurring or persistent fevers of unknown origin

Kjeld Schmiegelow, a professor of paediatrics at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark says that most of these childhood cancers tend to be visible in the first years of life and are much more aggressive than adult cancers.

According to the research, in almost 80% of kids with cancer, the cancer would have spread to other areas of the body by the time it is diagnosed.

Therefore, no matter what the symptom may be, it is best to consult a pediatrician, as early detection with proper physical examination, or a few screening tests can definitely help to address the issue in its early stages.

Here's the podcast interview with Dr. Muralitharan: