हिंदी
Childhood cancers pose significant challenges due to their difficulty in screening, diagnosis, and often unknown causes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic infections like HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, and malaria are among the risk factors for childhood cancer. Annually, approximately 400,000 children and adolescents up to the age of 19 are diagnosed with cancer. Common types include leukaemia, brain cancers, lymphomas, and solid tumours like neuroblastoma and Wilms tumour. Cancer remains the leading cause of mortality across all age groups, including children.
Recognizing telltale signs of cancer in children is crucial and should not be ignored. Here are some signs that warrant attention:
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss in a child should not be taken lightly. If weight loss persists, it could be a potential symptom of cancer, and prompt medical attention is essential.
- Headaches with Vomiting: Persistent headaches, especially in the morning, accompanied by vomiting, should be treated seriously. This combination of symptoms may indicate an underlying health issue that needs evaluation by a medical professional.
- Swelling and Joint Pain: If a child reports swelling or severe pain in joints, legs, or upper limbs, immediate medical attention is necessary to investigate the cause.
- Persistent Tiredness: Chronic fatigue and complaints of tiredness from a child could be indicative of an underlying health concern that needs thorough examination.
- Easy Bruising: Children who easily bruise might have reduced platelet counts. Additionally, bleeding from the nose and gums may be associated with this symptom.
- Vision Problems: Sudden vision problems should not be dismissed, as they may be a symptom of an underlying health issue. Prompt evaluation is crucial, especially if vision issues occur suddenly.
- Continuous Fever: Prolonged fever that persists for an extended period, not attributed to any infection, requires immediate medical attention.
- Regression of Skills: If a child starts losing skills they have previously acquired, it could be a red flag that demands careful attention and investigation.
- Bone Pain: Aching bones in a child should not be considered normal. Consultation with a doctor is necessary to determine the cause of the pain.
- Loss of Interest: A sudden loss of interest in activities, particularly in playing, can be a warning sign. If a child prefers staying at home and shows a significant decline in enthusiasm, immediate attention is warranted.
