Cancer develops when normal body cells change and start growing and multiplying without control. It can affect both adults and children — meaning cancer has no age limit. Studies show that approximately 400,000 children aged 0–19 years are diagnosed with cancer worldwide each year.
Common Types of Cancer in Children
1. Blood Cancer (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia – ALL)
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a cancer that develops in the bone marrow and lymphatic system.
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Frequent infections
Treatment:
ALL can be effectively treated with chemotherapy. More than 85% of children respond well to treatment and are able to return to a normal life.
2. Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are caused by abnormal cell growth in or near the brain. Some tumors are cancerous, while others are benign (non-cancerous). Symptoms depend on the location, size, and growth rate of the tumor.
Symptoms:
- Headache
- Persistent vomiting
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Vision problems
Treatment:
Management often involves a combined approach such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the condition.The approach depends on the child’s age, overall health, and type of tumor.
3. Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which plays a key role in fighting infections. It leads to abnormal growth of immune cells and may weaken the body’s ability to fight infections. In early stages, cure rates can exceed 90%.
Symptoms:
- Painless swelling of lymph nodes (neck, armpit, or chest)
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Recurrent infections
4. Bone Cancer
Bone cancer is rare and is more commonly seen in adolescents above 10 years of age. If the cancer is confined to one area, survival rates can reach up to 65%. If it has spread to other parts of the body, survival rates drop below 30%.
Two main types include:
i. Osteosarcoma
A cancer that forms in the bone, commonly found at the ends of long bones such as the femur (thigh bone) or bones of the arms and legs.
ii. Ewing Sarcoma
Another type of bone cancer in children. It often affects long bones of the arms and legs, or areas such as the spine, pelvis, and skull. It can weaken the bone and spread to surrounding soft tissues.
5. Wilms Tumor (Kidney Tumor)
Wilms tumor (Nephroblastoma) is a rare kidney cancer seen in children, accounting for about 4–5% of childhood cancers. It is most commonly seen in children aged 1 to 5 years and usually appears as an abdominal mass.
Treatment:
Surgery is performed to remove the tumor while preserving kidney function. Depending on the size and spread of the tumor, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be required.
Final Message
Although childhood cancer is rare, comprehensive treatments are available today. Any unusual changes in a child’s health should be evaluated promptly by a doctor. When detected at an early stage, modern medicine enables 70–75% of children to overcome cancer and move forward to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
