Parents often take a child's unusual tiredness, paleness or sudden bruising for an ordinary illness, but sometimes these are early signs of cancer, Banglanews24's news desk reports, drawing on the World Health Organization.
The WHO estimates that about 400,000 children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 develop cancer worldwide every year. Leukaemia and brain tumours are among the most common cancers in children.
Paediatric cancer specialists say the signs to watch for are unusual or excessive tiredness; marked paleness; repeated bruising with no cause; a lump or swelling that keeps growing; a long-lasting fever; repeated or severe headaches; persistent bone pain; and unexplained weight loss.
Many early signs look like common illnesses, so one symptom alone is no reason to panic. But if several appear together, last a long time or slowly get worse, experts advise taking the child to a paediatrician or doctor promptly.
The WHO says childhood cancers generally cannot be prevented or picked up by routine screening, so quick recognition, correct diagnosis and prompt treatment matter most. More than 80 percent of children with cancer are cured in high-income countries, but fewer than 30 percent in many low- and middle-income countries. The WHO is working towards survival of at least 60 percent worldwide by 2030.
Source: Banglanews24
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