Childhood is a growing process in the life of every human. It is characterized by a diversity of experiences. Biologically, childhood is defined as the stage of a human existence between birth and adolescence. It is a period of rapid physical, mental, emotional, social and lingual development of a child. Protecting, and improving, the health of children is fundamentally important to ensure a vibrant future for humanity.

Childhood cancer (also called pediatric cancer) is a general term used to describe a range of cancer types found in children. The most common types of cancer diagnosed in children, under the age 15 years, are enlisted below -

• Leukemia (accounts for about 29% of childhood cancer cases).
  Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
  Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Brain and spinal cord tumors (accounts for 26% of childhood cancer cases). Also called central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
• Glial tumors - Astrocytoma, Oligodendroglioma, Ependymoma, Choroid plexus carcinoma, Oligoastrocytoma, Glioblastoma.
• Mixed glial neuronal tumors – Ganglioglioma, Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma, Pleomorphioc xanthoastrocytoma, Anaplastic ganglioglioma.
• Neural tumors – Gangliocytoma and Neurocytoma.
• Embryonal tumors - Medulloblastoma and Medulloepithelioma.
• Ependymoblastoma - Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid tumor.
• Pineal tumors - Pineocytoma.
• Neuroblastoma (6%) - a tumor of immature nerve cells. The tumor often starts in the adrenal glands.
• Wilms tumor (5%) - a type of kidney tumor.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (5%) and Hodgkin lymphoma (3%) - cancers that begin in the lymph system.
• Rhabdomyosarcoma (3%) - a type of tumor that most commonly begins in the striated skeletal muscles. Non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas can also occur in other parts of the body.
• Retinoblastoma (2%) - an eye tumor.
• Osteosarcoma (2%) and Ewing sarcoma (1%) - tumors that usually begin in or near the bone.
• Germ cell tumors - rare tumors that begin in the testicles of boys, or ovaries of girls. In extremely rare cases, these tumors can begin in other places in the body, including the brain.
• Pleuropulmonary blastoma - a rare kind of lung cancer.
• Hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma - types of liver tumors.

Signs And Symptoms Of Cancer In Children

• Unusual lumps or swelling.
• Unexplained paleness and loss of energy.
• Easy bruising or bleeding.
• A constant pain in a specific area of the body.
• Limping.
• Unexplained fever, or illness, that doesn’t go away.
• Frequent headaches, often with vomiting.
• Sudden eye or vision changes.
• Sudden and unexplained weight loss.

Why Cancer Happens In Children?

Random mutations (changes) in the genes of growing cells are the primary cause for pediatric cancer.

Risk Factors And Causes Of Childhood Cancer

• Medical conditions.
• Problems with development in the womb.
• Exposure to infections.
• Exposure to radiation.
• Previous ineffective cancer treatments.

1. Medical Conditions

• Certain conditions can increase a child's risk of developing some types of cancers. Children with Down's syndrome, for instance, are 10 to 20 times more likely to get leukaemia than other children. Leukaemia is still very rare, even in children with Down’s syndrome.

2. Genetics

• Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer. Some children are born with a change (mutation) in the retinoblastoma gene, also known as the RB1 gene. About 40 out of 100 children diagnosed (40%) have the inheritable type of retinoblastoma. This often affects both eyes (bilateral).
• Some other childhood cancers, such as Wilm’s tumour (kidney cancer in children), may have a genetic link.

3. Problems with Development in the Womb

Some childhood cancers such as Wilm’s tumors, and retinoblastoma, begin when the baby is still inside the womb of the mother. When a baby is growing in the womb, many parts of the body, such as the kidneys and eyes, develop at a very early phase. Sometimes, something goes wrong and some of the cells that should have turned into developed (mature) cells to form a part of the body do not fulfill their function. Instead they remain as very early (immature) cells. Usually, these immature cells don't cause any problems and mature by themselves by the time the child is 3 to 4 years old. However, if they don’t, they may begin to grow out of control and develop into a cancerous tumor.

4. Exposure to Infection

Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a common infection in young children. It usually exhibits no external symptoms. Once infected, a person remains a carrier of EBV for life, but the virus normally doesn’t cause any symptoms at all. In rare cases, infection with EBV can contribute to the development of cancers such as Hodgkin lymphoma and Burkitt’s lymphoma.

5. Previous Cancer Treatment and Exposure to Radiation

Cancer treatment can also include radiotherapy and Chemotherapy. Children who have radiotherapy and Chemotherapy for cancer have a slightly greater risk of developing another type of cancer at a later stage of life. Radon gas is a natural radioactive gas found in the air, in minute levels, outdoors. It can, however, at times build up to high concentrations indoors. Numerous studies have suggested that there might be a weak link between indoor levels of radon gas and risk of childhood leukemia.

Preventive Measures For Kids

• Protect Your Child from Developing Cancer as an adult.
• Inspire healthy eating habits for the entire family. Encourage a balanced diet that is full of fruits and vegetables.
• Use sunscreen on a daily basis. Protecting the skin from the sun will reduce the risk of contracting skin cancer.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Encourage exercise and outdoor activities.
• Ensure your child is properly vaccinated.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes in front of your family as passive smoking is always dangerous for children’s health.
• Limit their exposure to chemicals.

Preventive Measures For The Mother

Most birth defects cannot be prevented because their cause is not known. However, for a few birth defects, you may be able to decrease your risk by adhering to certain preventive measures.

• Exclusive breastfeeding.
• See your doctor before getting pregnant.
• Know your risk factors.
• Take daily multivitamins before and during pregnancy.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Use medications wisely.
• Seek help for existent medical conditions before pregnancy.
• Do not use alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs for a non-medical reason.
• Prevent infections, or treat them if necessary.
• Avoid known harmful agents.

Greater Possibility of Successful Treatments.

There is a difference in the types of cancer that children are susceptible to, as well as in their proper treatment regimes. Unlike many cancers in adults, childhood cancers are not strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental risk factors, and addictions (which can often get worse with treatment). Withstanding few exceptions, childhood cancers tend to respond better to certain treatments.

Improving The Possibility of Recuperation from Pediatric Cancer.

Given the fact that it is generally not possible to prevent cancer in children, the most effective way to reduce further medical complications is to be aware of the symptoms that are different from regular activities, and periodic medical checkups. The possibility of improving efforts at recuperation is dependent on a strict focus on prompt and correct diagnosis, followed by effective treatment and supportive care.