Paediatric means kids. Oncology is the science of cancer treatment. The kids can develop cancers, which are different from those of grown-ups. Such cancers, typically, grow quickly, but a big part of them is very treatment sensitive. Child cancer types
consist of the ones that affect blood (for instance, leukaemia), and organs (like the kidney or liver), brain tumour, bone and muscle, eye, and other unlisted ones are the ones children have.- Pediatric Oncology is the speciality branch of medicine that concentrates on the identification and therapy of these cancers in children. Most of the cancers in children have become treatable in the early stages due to the development of treatment. Besides the medical treatment, the main focus of the children’s cancer unit is also on providing emotional support to the young patients and their families, thus being a healing process through a whole body approach.
- Why Early Detection Matters
- Early Cancer Detection is very important as it considerably raises the chances of a cure. A late detection of cancers makes them more likely to have spread; hence, it is difficult to treat them.
- A thorough check of the symptoms is the only way to have early detection.
- There are times when parents and doctors mistakenly assume the problem to be a known condition (like an infection), and hence they do not look deeper for a solution. Valuable time can be lost in this way.
- Recognising Early Signs of Childhood Cancer
- The listed complaints may not necessarily mean that you have cancer. But when these symptoms have been present for a long time, are still there, or have not improved with the usual treatments, then they deserve being taken into account.
- Some of these symptoms are listed below:
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Prolonged fever
A fever that lasts two to three weeks, and even after treatment, it doesn’t get better. -
Paleness and tiredness
When a child turns very pale, becomes weak, or suffers from joint pains. -
Headaches with vomiting
Most of the time, they are persistent and may get worse in the morning. -
Changes in eyesight or behaviour
Like a white spot in the eye, squint, a change in the way the eyes move or difficulty in walking or speaking.
- Treatment & Care
- A child diagnosed with cancer should be given the best possible treatment as soon as possible:
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Specialized centres
Treatment has to be carried out by paediatric oncology specialists who have worked with children suffering from similar diseases. A child is not just a small adult; their bodies, immune system, growth, and side effects all need special handling.
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Following a proper treatment plan
Generally, cancer treatments are long and trying, and sometimes the stages or cycles can be different. Not attending appointments on time or delaying parts of treatment can have a big impact on results.
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Nutrition matters
Good food is the mainstay of the body during the process of treatment. It helps to fight infections, provides healing, and increases the tolerance to medicine.
- Common Fears and Misconceptions
- It is the common belief that a diagnosis of cancer in children means death immediately. Actually, it is not so. The majority of childhood cancers are controllable, and kids are able to regain their health a great deal with proper treatment.
- Some families who choose to delay the treatment have various reasons for that, such as fear of side effects, lack of money for treatment, and concern about what others might think. This act of postponement lowers the success rate.
- The fear of the unknown is a cause of denial: for example, parents may refuse to have their kids tested or act as if the symptoms do not exist. However, with awareness and prompt action, the result of the help is optimised.
- What You Can Do as a Parent
- Observe closely. Identify symptoms that are persistent over a long time. Never consider these symptoms as just common childhood diseases and do not ignore them.
- Inquire. If a doctor is of a different opinion (infection, allergy, etc.) but a child is not improving, ask whether cancer has been eliminated as a possibility.
- If you are uncertain, obtain the views of others. The opinion of a pediatric oncologist is very important.
- It is important to be very involved in the whole process of the child’s treatment. This includes treatment, follow-up visits, and medication. Even if the child looks better, finishing the treatment plan is what counts.
- Help your child psychologically. Speak the truth (appropriately for the child’s age), offer support, and make sure the child knows that he/she is loved. To a great extent, keep up with the usual activities (playing, schooling if possible)
- Hope and Chances of Recovery
- Most kids suffering from cancer manage to live normal lives eventually. The positive outcome rates are increasing gradually.
- The precise and effective treatments have been successful in fighting cancer and minimising side effects.
- It’s very important that follow-up visits are regularly conducted to detect if the cancer has returned at an early stage.
- Final Thoughts
- Dr. Nandini Hazarika, a pediatric oncology specialist in New Delhi, has over 20 years of exemplary experience in the treatment of childhood cancers, blood disorders, and various neuro-oncology complication cases. She was educated at the best institutes in India and the USA. She has done more than 80 bone marrow transplants, seriously, and she is currently practising at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital.
- Childhood cancer is definitely a big issue; however, it is not out of the question that it could be a cause of hope. Simply recognising the signs, acting promptly, receiving treatment at a decent children’s cancer centre, and feeding and nurturing the child’s body and mind could make a huge difference.
