Kochi: Even though cancer in children is a rare phenomena, early detection of the disease would help in getting a complete cure.
Coinciding with World Cancer Day on February 4, parents, teachers, and friends should essentially know the symptoms of cancer in children, K Rugmini, president Indian Association of Pediatrics said.
They should know what to do in case one is affected with cancer like getting theFC support of the society, Dr Rugmini, Professor, Pediatrics, Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam, Kanyakumari, said in a statement.
The disease found in children not only causes depression in them, but also in parents, siblings and their acquaintances.
The pangs of the disease and the impact of the drugs makes life a little miserable.
Ignorance and fear of the treatment expenses could be one of reasons for children being deprived of proper treatment. Cancer, which is not contagious, happens due to genetic mutation.
Symptoms of the disease include weight loss,
anemia, pains in bones, continuous fever, protruding eyes, morning headaches, nausea among others.
Those experiencing these problems should consult a doctor, she said.
According to the World Health Organization,
about four lakh children below 19 years develop cancer globally while it is about 50,000 in India.
About 80 to 90 per cent of those affected are treated successfully in developed countries while the situation is disturbing in developing and underdeveloped countries, WHO says.
About 80 percent of children could be saved from cancer if the disease is detected timely for effective treatment.
According to WHO childhood cancers do not have a known cause. Changes or mutation in the DNA inside body cells can contribute to the production of cancer cells. Studies show that only 5-10 % of childhood cancers are caused due to genetic factors.
Childhood cancer involves tissues whereas adult cancers mainly originate in organs. Majority of cases are detected late due to poor awareness of parents in countries like India leading to an increased mortality rate.
