Types of childhood cancer

Unlike in adults, childhood cancer occurs at a lower but significant rate, and it's important for us to be aware of its types and presence. There are several types of childhood cancers that we should be aware of, including leukemia, brain tumors, and neuroblastoma as these are among the most common pediatric cancers in children.
 

• Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and enters the bloodstream. When children have leukemia, abnormal blood cells are formed in the bone marrow, often affecting white blood cells responsible for protecting the body from infections.
  
  
• Pediatric Brain Tumor, or childhood brain tumor, results from the growth of abnormal cells in the child's brain or nearby areas. There are several types of brain tumors, including benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous).
  
  
• Next is neuroblastoma, a cancerous tumor commonly encountered in children. This cancer arises from tissues that form the sympathetic nervous system. Neuroblastoma is often present at birth but is typically detected when these cells start to grow and occupy space within the body.
   

Risk factors of childhood cancer

The risk factors for childhood cancer are unlike those in adults, where environmental exposures play a significant role. In fact, the true causes for childhood cancer are still not definitively known. However, doctors and researchers believe that one of the factors may be DNA mutations in children that lead to abnormal cell growth.

This phenomenon occurs because a child's DNA contains biochemical materials that regulate the activities of cell growth and division. These mutations can contribute to the uncontrolled growth of cells, ultimately leading to the development of cancer cells.

Childhood cancer symptoms

Early detection of childhood cancer symptoms can be a crucial step in addressing cancer before seeking medical treatment. It's important to be aware of how your children behave and their physical condition. Here are some signs of cancer in children:

• Lumps or large swellings on the child's body.
• Unexplained and persistent fatigue.
• Prolonged fever.
• Changes in vision.
• Sudden and significant weight loss.
• Early morning/nighttime nausea and frequent headaches.
• Continuous pain in the bones, joints, back, or legs.
• Frequent infections.
• White reflection in the child's eye.
• Bloated or swollen abdomen.
• Seizures with or without vomiting that persist.
• Limping while walking.

If your child experiences these symptoms, it is advisable to promptly consult a doctor. Protect your child by seeking appropriate treatment and therapy.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it has a significant impact on the entire family, including emotional stress and financial strain. While many parents have medical coverage for their children, some may not realise that standard medical coverage plans often do not include coverage for childhood cancer. Without coverage for childhood cancer, parents can face high treatment costs, debt, and emotional pressure. Therefore, it is advisable for parents to obtain critical illness takaful plan to avoid excessive expenses for their child's cancer treatment. It is important to protect your child from an early stage to prevent more severe consequences as they approach adulthood.