Generally speaking, there is no single, specific cause for childhood cancer. Even until now, the cause for childhood cancer is yet to be known. There are some scientists that believe that the real cause of childhood cancer is the combination of many factors. These factors are the environmental, genetic and constitutional characteristics of a child. For instance, a child with a family history of cancer has an increased risk of developing one if he is exposed to some environmental factors.

Cancer in children often begins in the child’s stem cells. These are the simple cells that have the capability of creating other types of cells that are specialized according to what the body needs. There is a sporadic mutation of the cells, and this is what causes the cancer. However, there is no specific answer as to why this happens. This kind of mutation only happens by chance.

There are some risk factors which puts the child at risk of developing cancer. This increases the chances of a child developing the disease. This also makes the body less resistant against the cancer, but it does not necessarily mean that it would immediately cause the disease. One of the risk factors is having one of the family members exposed to substances that can cause cancer, and this is referred to as indirect exposure.

There are also genetic disorders that put the child at risk of developing cancer. These disorders cause suppression of the immune system. The immune system plays a big part in defending our body against diseases. Exposure to chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides and power lines have shown to have a direct link to cancer in children. There are also theories that cancer may develop to children if their mothers have been exposed to certain chemical agents while these children are still in the womb.

With the numerous risk factors and the unknown specific cause of cancer, it is better that we know what some of it are so that we can all avoid it. Having cancer in one of the family members is hard, especially when children are the ones involved. It is important to keep children healthy for their future.
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Of all types of bone cancer, the most common among children is the osteosarcoma. The exact specific cause for this is unknown. However, researches show that this type of cancer arises from unpredictable and random DNA errors in the growing bone cells. This usually occurs during the times of intense bone growth.

The most at risk for this type of cancer are teenage boys, and researchers have found out that there is an added risk if the teenage boy is taller than average. There is still no effective way for the prevention of bone cancer in children. However, through early detection, proper diagnosis and timely treatment, children have a chance in recovering from it.

The most common symptom reported by children is pain on the leg and arm that worsens during exercise or at night. The most common sites for the pain are the long bones of the body – the femur and the humerus. It is important to have a consultation with a physician once a child has these kinds of symptoms for further evaluation.

Imaging tests are done in order to diagnose bone cancer. Examples of the tests to be done are X-ray and MRI of the affected area. Before the tests are done, there will be a physical exam and an interview about the patient’s and family’s medical history. A bone biopsy is also done in order to see if there is cancerous growth on the affected area. It is usually done by a surgeon inside the operating room while the child is under general anesthesia. If unfortunately the child is diagnosed to have bone cancer, additional tests such as CT scan and bone scan will be done in order to know if there has already been metastasis of the cancer cells to the other parts of the body.

Bone cancer is commonly treated by either limb-salvage surgery or amputation. Amputation is done if the cancer has already spread to the blood vessels and nerves that surround the tumor. Either way, the child must have a strong support from the family during this hard time of his life.

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Cancer is a type of illness that is not age-specific. However, there are types of cancers that are for a specific age group or gender only. When it comes to childhood cancer, even today, it is still considered rare. It is unlikely that children will develop cancer at a young age. But as a parent, you should be aware of the symptoms that may possibly indicate cancer. Early detection is very important because the chances for curing the illness are higher if it is detected early.

One of the common symptoms that children may experience is early morning headaches that are accompanied with vomiting. Immediately bring the child to a physician if the headache persists for more than seven days. This is quite alarming because brain tumors often manifest through this symptom, together with other symptoms such as difficulty in walking, seizures and sudden personality changes.

If the child is experiencing muscle pain or bone pain that is not caused by any other injury, observe the symptom. If the pain does not decrease In a few weeks, consult a physician for further evaluation. You should also be aware that it is not common for children to have chronic back pain. Spinal cord tumors often have chronic back pain as an early symptom.

Another symptom that a child may experience is persistent cough. The cough may not be responding to the therapies and medications that you administer. An enlarging mass from any part of the body is definitely a symptom that can cause alarm. It should be immediately be checked by a medical professional. Tests may be given to see if the mass is benign or malignant.

There is only a small chance that these symptoms mean that your child has cancer. However, we should not take the risk by just ignoring it. It is good to be sure of the origins of the symptoms that your child experiences. Detecting illnesses early is indeed a better path than taking the consequences that an illness can bring you and your family.
Cops for Cancer

Cancer in Children

Each cell in our body has a programmed life. Every cell has a planned growth and interaction and scheduled death. However, there are incidents where the cell is not able to follow its normal pattern of living. The cells grow and function in a state where the body can no longer control and regulate it, and this can predispose to the occurrence of cancer.

The type of cancer and its signs and symptoms largely depends on what cell has had an uncontrollable growth and multiplication. The treatments and the possible outcome depend on the severity of the cancer. The treatments for the different kinds of cancer may differ from each other.

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Cancer in Children

To understand childhood cancer
A diagnosis of cancer in a child can bring about many changes. There is much to cope with, and decisions to be made. It is common for parents as well as the child to feel that their life has spun out of control, often because they do not have knowledge about the disease that affects them.
Gathering information and talking about cancer helps many parents and children feel more in control and more involved.Knowing Continue Reading »
CHILDHOOD CANCER