05/09/2022
Cancer develops when cells in the body begin to proliferate uncontrollably. Childhood cancers frequently occur or start in stem cells, which are cells capable of producing other types of specialised cells required by the body.
Childhood cancer is usually caused by a sporadic (happens by chance) cell change or mutation. The most common cancers in children differ from those seen in adults, with the most common being leukaemia, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, lymphoma, and others. Cancer in children can cause symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, headaches/vomiting, persistent infections, constant tiredness, the formation of a lump or mass, and so on. Though several treatment options are available, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, the course of treatment will be determined by the type of cancer and its stage.
While childhood cancer is uncommon, it is the leading cause of disease-related death in children and adolescents after infancy. Every September, organisations, healthcare institutions, patients, and families raise awareness for childhood cancer and its research in the hopes of finding new treatments and improving the lives of cancer-affected children, teens, and young adults.