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Childhood cancer is a big problem. Childhood cancer is as deadly to the child as it is to their parents. Childhood cancer is the ninth leading cause of death in children.
At the same time, according to data published by the World Health Organization in 2021, the lives of children with cancer were saved by up to 80 percent in high-income countries. While in low- and middle-income countries, less than 30% of children’s lives are saved. In such a situation, it is a matter of great concern for India. In such a situation, on the occasion of International Children’s Cancer Day, today with Healthshots we will find out the state of childhood cancer in India, as well as its causes, symptoms and some important preventive measures.
International Children’s Cancer Day
Every year February 15 is celebrated as the International Day of Children with Cancer. On this day, through various campaigns and programs in hospitals, schools, colleges, non-governmental and other organizations, efforts are being made to spread awareness among people about the risk, causes and cures of deadly cancer in children.
In addition, various types of programs are organized for children with cancer and their parents. Also, there are many non-governmental organizations that collect funds to promote childhood cancer treatment and distribute them to the needy.
The special purpose of this day is to raise people’s awareness about the causes of cancer. So the lives of thousands of children can be saved by controlling these reasons in time. In addition to children being aware of this, parents also need to be more aware of this.
Health Shots spoke with Dr. Lisa Bulsara, pediatrician, hematologist, oncologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, discusses the growing statistics of childhood cancer. He gave a lot of important information in this regard. So let’s find out what are the main causes of the increase in cancer in children, as well as learn some important ways to prevent it.
Read also: National Cancer Day: The first step to avoiding cancer is to know about it, here are some important facts
Learn about some common childhood cancers first (Common Cancers in Children)
The most common cancer in children is leukemia. It is a type of blood cancer. After that, the risk of brain cancer is highest in children. In this situation, there is a tumor in the children’s brain. In addition, there remains the possibility of different types of brain cancer.
After this, the most common cancer in children is “lymphoma” called neck cancer. It is the third most common cancer in children.
After that, neuroblastoma is also often seen, i.e. cancer that occurs in a stable adrenal gland in the upper part of the kidney, retinoblastoma, i.e. eye cancer and bone cancer.
Find out what are the causes of childhood cancer
Pollution, adulteration of food, excessive consumption of junk food, habit of smoking cigarettes from early childhood or exposure to passive smoking, Down’s syndrome, lifestyle are some of the common and main reasons for the increase of cancer in children.
At the same time, exposure to chemicals, insecticides, fertilizers and plastics also increases the risk of cancer in children. All this causes a genetic mutation, which causes multiple cell divisions in the body and causes cancer. At the same time, breast cancer in girls can be genetic, but cancer is usually not genetic. Even after numerous scientific studies, there is still a need for more studies on the causes of childhood cancer.
Read also: World Cancer Day 2023: Eating these 5 types of food increases the risk of cancer
Now let us know some of the early symptoms of cancer in children (Childhood Cancer Symptoms).
According to Dr. Liza, if the symptoms of cancer in children are detected at the very beginning and its treatment begins in time, then children’s lives can be saved. Early symptoms include:
1. If the fever lasts longer than 1-2 weeks without infection.
2. Bone and back pain.
3. Painless swelling in the abdomen, neck and bones.
4. Unnecessary weight loss.
5. Bruising/nosebleeds.
6. Yellowness of eyes and body.
7. You try to stare at anything.
8. Pupil means to see the white color in the protrusion of the eyes.
9. Sensation of unbearable headache again and again in brain tumor. Vomiting or dizziness.
Doctors talk about what parents need to keep in mind for prevention and treatment
Every mother should take an adequate amount of folic acid during pregnancy.
It is necessary for every mother to breastfeed her children.
Do not forget to vaccinate children at the right time and properly.
Avoid excessive exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.
It is necessary to continue to perform medical examinations after a reasonable time.
Motivate children to participate in physical activities in early childhood.
Maintain a safe environment around children. In addition, try to make the atmosphere in the house pleasant.
Avoid smoking and alcohol during pregnancy. It is the responsibility of both parents, not just the mother.
Do not smoke near children and do not expose them to secondhand smoke.
Try to protect children as much as possible from air pollution caused by traffic.
Try to avoid radiation as much as possible during medical tests during pregnancy.
Knowing your family history is very important. If there are any problems, talk to your doctor during pregnancy.
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