Most common cancers in children and reasons that cause them: Paediatric oncologist explains

Although the number of cancer cases among children is low compared to adults, it has been steadily rising globally. Lymphoma, leukaemia, Wilms tumour that affects the kidney and the adrenal glands, neuroblastoma and sarcomas that affect the bones and muscles are the most common types of cancers seen in children. Dr Vishnu S Nair, a consultant paediatric oncologist at Mar Sleeva Medicity, Pala, explains the various types of cancers diagnosed in children, their reasons and more. 

Cancers in children's organs mostly appear as tumours that grow in size, causing pain to nearby organs. Tumours that grow or cause pain could be diagnosed with scans and a biopsy. Blood tests, including a peripheral smear and complete blood count, would help identify the stage of the cancer, helping the doctors recommend appropriate treatment plans. 

Reasons for cancer among children?
Genetic factors are the main reason for cancer among children. However, the word ‘genetic’ here doesn’t mean a disease passed down to future generations. Cancer is genetically passed down to children in less than ten per cent of cases. Meanwhile, the true cause of the genetic changes cannot be identified in 90 per cent of cases. Lifestyle factors, alcohol addiction or smoking are some of the major reasons for cancer in adults. However, these factors do not apply to children, so it is almost impossible to determine the exact cause. If a child in a family is diagnosed with cancer, then it is not necessary that other children in the same family too would get cancer. Parents need to worry only if the child shows the above symptoms. 

Blood cancer symptoms
Anaemia that occurs when the haemoglobin count drops; excessive exhaustion, fever that never subsides, and bleeding manifestations such as nasal bleeding and bleeding onto the skin are common symptoms of blood cancer. The disease can be easily diagnosed with simple blood tests, including a count and a peripheral smear. 

How are blood cancers treated?
Blood cancers are generally treated with chemotherapy. These could be in the form of injections or tablets. Besides chemotherapy, surgery and radiation are also prescribed to treat solid tumours in other organs. So, a combined modality treatment approach is often adopted in such cases. Meanwhile, doctors usually do not recommend radiation therapy for children, as stunted growth may be a side effect. 

Most cancers treatable
One of the biggest advantages in cancer treatment for children is that most cancers are treatable. The side effects of the treatment and medicines should be lowered as much as possible, as children need to live for a longer time. 

Although cancer among children is rare, it is definitely on the rise. Parents and paediatricians need to have proper awareness about it. Simple blood tests and scans could easily detect cancer if the symptoms appear. If you are doubtful about a symptom, then consult an oncologist or a paediatric oncologist as soon as possible, as most paediatric cancers are treatable with high survival rates. 

Mother's cancer
There is a common myth that the baby would get cancer if the mother, who is a cancer patient, breastfeeds her child. Cancer never spreads from one person to another. However, if the mother is a cancer patient who is undergoing treatment or taking chemotherapy medicines, some of the elements in the medicine may reach the child’s body through breastmilk, causing side effects. So, breastfeeding mothers should speak with their doctors to ensure that their medicines do not have such side effects and are safe for their babies.