Undoubtedly of your age, cancer is a life-threatening condition that can strike you. However, the idea of cancer can be especially concerning for children. Cancer is the greatest cause of disease-related death in children in developed countries, which is a sobering fact. It is unthinkable to think that a child would have to fight cancer, but many families must unhappily deal with this reality. We will talk about the three most prevalent malignancies that affect children coming from the experience of top experts in cancer treatment for children in Jaipur in this article.
Leukaemia
A form of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood is called leukaemia. With about 30% of all childhood cancers, it is the most prevalent cancer in kids. White blood cells in the body are impacted by leukaemia, which is in charge of preventing infections. White blood cells that are abnormally produced by the bone marrow in leukaemia do not function properly and do not create the essential immunity against infections.
Leukaemia symptoms might vary and may include weakness, pallor, fever, and readily bruising. Infection risk may be higher in children with leukaemia, who may also experience joint and bone pain. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplants are frequent leukaemia treatments. With a five-year survival rate of about 85%, the survival rate for kids with leukaemia has greatly improved recently.
Central nervous system and brain tumours
Approximately 26% of all paediatric cancer cases are brain and central nervous system tumours, making them the second most prevalent type of cancer in children. These tumours can develop at any age and can be either benign or malignant. Headaches, vomiting, seizures, and abnormalities in vision or hearing are just a few of the symptoms of brain tumours that can vary depending on where they are located and how big they are.
Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are possible treatments for brain tumours. Depending on the type and location of the tumour, the survival rate for children with brain tumours varies, although it is typically lower than the survival rate for children with leukaemia. For kids with brain tumours, the overall five-year survival rate is roughly 73%.
Lymphoma
The lymphatic system, a component of the body’s immune system, is impacted by the cancerous condition known as lymphoma. It is the third most typical variety of 10% of all childhood malignancies in children. Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are the two main varieties of lymphoma.
Swollen lymph nodes, fever, weight loss, and night sweats are some of the signs of lymphoma. Chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and bone marrow transplants are among the lymphoma treatments available. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, different children with lymphoma have different chances of survival. Children with Hodgkin’s lymphoma have a five-year survival rate of about 97%, whereas non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients have a five-year survival rate of about 90%.
Conclusion
Children, in particular, find it tough and demanding to deal with the sickness of cancer. Leukaemia, tumours of the brain and central nervous system, and lymphoma are the three cancers that strike children most frequently. These tumours can have a variety of symptoms, and enhancing survival prospects requires early identification. It’s crucial to speak with the best pediatric cancer doctor in Jaipur right away if your child is displaying any symptoms.
The good news is that paediatric cancer survival rates have been rising consistently over the years, and many kids recover and go on to lead healthy, typical lives. The outcomes for children with cancer have significantly improved thanks to developments in cancer research and treatment. In addition, there are several support groups accessible to help and support families with cancer-stricken children.
