15 Feb : International Childhood Cancer Day

15th of February is International Childhood Cancer Day. It is celebrated globally to raise awareness about childhood cancer, express gratitude and support for children, cancer survivors and families. Every year, more than 4 lakh children and adolescents under the age of 20 are diagnosed with cancer. In India, around 50,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, or one child every 11 minutes. Early detection and specialized, precise treatment is an indispensable solution to fighting this disease.

Cancer Rounds celebrates this day to show immense support, compassion and offer help to children and their families suffering from this dreaded disease.

Symptoms: Some generalized symptoms of cancer in children include unusual swelling, pallor in the child (pale appearance), loss of appetite, loss of weight, etc. Early detection of the cancer is the key to preventing cancer from worsening.

Following are the most common cancers seen in children.

• Leukemia: The most prevalent childhood cancer is leukemia, which is a disease of the bone marrow and blood. They account for roughly 28% of all childhood malignancies. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are the most frequent forms in children

• Brain and spinal cord tumors: These are the second most frequently occurring cancer in children, accounting for around 26% of all cancers in this age group. There are different types of brain and spinal cord cancers, each with its own treatment and prognosis.

• Neuroblastoma: This type of cancer develops in the initial stages of nerve cells in a growing embryo or fetus. Neuroblastomas account for about 6% of all juvenile malignancies. This is a malignancy that affects newborns and young children. It is uncommon in children above the age of ten years.

• Nephroblastoma (also known as Wilms tumor) is cancer that originates in one or both kidneys. It is most frequent in kids between the ages of 3 and 4, and it is uncommon in older children and adults.

• Lymphoma (including both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin): Lymphomas arise in immune system cells called lymphocytes. The lymph nodes or other lymph tissues, such as the tonsils or thymus, are the most common sites for these cancers to begin.

• Bone cancer (includes osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma): Bone cancers (primary bone cancers) are most common in older children and teenagers, but they can develop at any age. They are responsible for around 3% of all childhood cancers.

• Other less frequent childhood cancers include cancer of the skeletal muscles (Rhabdomyosarcoma) accounting for 3% of childhood cancers and cancer of the eyes (Retinoblastoma) accounting for 2% of the childhood cancers.

Cancer Rounds strikes to bring you the best cancer treatment from the best cancer hospital in Gurgaon and across India, help you connect with the best oncologist and provide a hassle-free experience. Let us all join hands and help the little hearts to fight cancer.