Cancer cases in children continue to rise in India

Concerned about the rising number of cases, the World Health Organization has decided to make September the month of cancer awareness in children. Thus, it will be possible to bring the issue to the notice of the people of the country and find an appropriate solution by bringing the issue to a wider awareness as well as related research, facilities and treatment. It is already being considered as a highly urgent issue in the context of cancer becoming a leading cause of infant mortality.

The World Health Organization estimates that more than three million children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Although the number of cases is higher in developed countries than in developing countries, it is a matter of concern that the number of deaths is higher in developing countries than in developed countries.
In India, research in 2017 estimated that 4.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent of all cancer cases reported across the country were related to children. The study, published in the Indian Journal of Medical and Pediatric, found that more than 50,000 children aged 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer. It is noteworthy that cancer is the 9th leading cause of death in children.

Blood cancer is one of the major cancers in children. There are two main types.

Leukemia – This is a type of blood cancer. The cancer mainly affects the blood-producing cells and the bone marrow. The baby’s body builds up a large number of white blood cells and surrounds the healthy blood cells in the bone marrow or groin, preventing them from doing their job, thereby completely blocking their immunity. This can make them more prone to infections or accidents.

Lymphoma – A vascular system formed to move impurities in the body is called a lymphatic network. Cancer of the vascular system is called lymphoma. It occurs in the tonsils, thymus gland, bones, small intestine, spleen or lymph nodes in the body. From there it travels along with the nervous system to the bone marrow.

In addition, tumors in the brain or spinal cord can sometimes turn into cancerous tumors. In the hands or feet, lumps form around the joints, including the knees or below the elbow, and become cancerous lumps. In addition, neuroblastoma, a cancer of the adrenal glands in the abdomen, can be seen in children.

In addition, kidney cancer occurs in children, especially in two- to four-year-olds. This is called a Williams tumor. The majority of children who have been diagnosed with this type of cancer in the past are those who die. Retinoblastoma, an eye cancer, is affecting more and more children in our country. These cancers account for 2% of all cancers, especially in children. Researchers have found that it is mainly caused by a hereditary genetic defect and have been successful in providing appropriate treatment. A type of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma can also be found in children. It is mainly caused by the breakdown of muscle cells in the body, especially the cells in the head. This is due to a cell called malignant sarcoma that forms in these areas.
Weight loss for no apparent reason, frequent headaches or vomiting, swelling or pain in the bones or joints or back or legs, and lumps in the abdomen or neck or under the waist or arms, often with rashes or bleeding; Symptoms such as frequent infections, redness or swelling of the eyes, vomiting without any nausea, frequent tiredness or paleness, and changes in the eyes, as well as the last frequent unexplained fever, should be considered cancer-related in children.

According to Dr. Koteswara Rao, Pediatrician, Apollo Cradle & Children Hospital, Hyderabad, Cancer in children can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. However, doctors will decide which treatment is right for you depending on the type and severity of the cancer.

Chemotherapy involves the administration of drugs that kill the cancer cells in the body and kill them. The drug that enters the body detects cancer cells and destroys them. However, the duration of chemotherapy depends on the severity of the disease and the type of disease.

In many cases, doctors prescribe radiation therapy in addition to chemotherapy in cases of cancer in children. This radiation treatment transmits high energy waves to the cancerous parts of the body and destroys the cancer cells there.