Childhood Cancer 

Overview

Cancer is a disease that hinders the normal functioning of cells in the human body. It causes uncontrollable cell growth in the body and often leads to malignant tumours.  

A cell is a unit that is fundamental in your body. It contains all the complex and life-supporting molecules in it. The cell’s most fascinating yet basic function is its ability to divide and give birth to new cells. But when this basic function of cells collapses, it leads to cancer. Cancer can damage and mutate cells.  

Sadly, children are not exceptions to this disease. Childhood cancer is not a common phenomenon but can happen to many children.  

Unfortunately, if children get cancer, many questions arise in our minds regarding the diagnosis and treatment. It is also essential that you know the causes, symptoms, and possible ways to prevent childhood cancer.  

What causes childhood cancer? 

For cancer in adults, the reason can be many things, including smoking, tobacco usage, consumption of alcohol, unhealthy eating practices, etc. But usually, they take some time for them to trigger cancer.  

However, for most children, this may not be the case. One of the leading causes of cancer can often be linked to genetic mutations among children. These genetic mutations can either be inherited or acquired by the children.

A child may inherit certain genetic mutations from either of its parents. In such a case, the child will also develop cancer.  

But in most cases, the child’s genetic mutations acquired by the child lead to cancer. These mutations develop in the child’s DNA either after or before birth. But it is highly unknown what triggers genetic mutations in children.  

What are some common childhood cancers?

In India, it is estimated that approximately 50,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year. Some of the most common types of cancer that occur in children are:

• Acute lymphocytic leukaemia
• Lymphoma
• Brain cancer
• Bone cancer (Osteosarcoma)

How is childhood cancer treated?

Children with cancer show promising results when it comes to treatment. They are most likely to get cured by various treatment methods. But the side-effects of treatment can be more severe than those for adults. They even have long-lasting effects on children’s health.  

Pediatric oncologists treat childhood cancer. The treatment involves:

• Surgery

Cancer results in uncontrollable cell growth in any area of the body, often resulting in the accumulation of cells in the affected area and leading to malignant tumours. These cancerous tumours can be removed surgically by removing that portion.

• Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment method that hinders the growth and division of cells. It can either be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other treatments like surgery.  

Usually, oncologists use it before surgery or radiation to reduce the size of the tumours then perform the necessary treatments after that. In some cases, this method is used after the surgery or radiation to kill the remaining cancerous cells.

• Radiation therapy 

This method uses high-energy particles like gamma rays and x-rays to destroy cancer cells. The radiation affects the DNA and inhibits the growth of cancer cells.  

This treatment may even damage normal cells close to the cancer cells. But this is more of a localised treatment compared to chemotherapy, as in chemotherapy, the whole body is exposed to drugs. In contrast, in radiation therapy, only the affected part is exposed.

Some other common childhood cancer treatments are:

• Immunotherapy
• Stem cell transplantation

How to make a conducive environment for children affected by cancer?

Cancer can be depressing, especially when it affects children. In addition, the treatment of cancer can cause serious side effects both physically and mentally.  

Any psychological trauma or fear can cause severe effects to the children in the longer run. It may even alter their behaviours.  

Hence during treatment, it is essential to provide mental, emotional and moral support. This is specifically called palliative or supportive care.  

Apart from it, many children have a high chance of becoming malnutrioned due to the severe repercussions of cancer treatments. Palliative treatment also includes nutritional support right after or even during the treatment.  

It is the responsibility of the caretakers to provide a conducive environment for the healthy development of their children, even after cancer treatment.  

A word of concern

Although cancer occurs in children, there is a high possibility of cure compared to adults. However, the side effects of cancer treatment can be detrimental.  

Unlike adults, most childhood cancer is caused by genetic mutations in children’s bodies. It is also practically difficult to corner all the exact causes of cancer and eliminate them.  

However, adopting a healthy lifestyle in a healthy environment can help the children eliminate preventable cancer. Even if cancer affects children, proper medical support and palliative care can support them in a big way.