Childhood cancers on the rise: These symptoms should be taken seriously!

Childhood cancers are on the rise globally and in Turkey. According to World Health Organization data, 300 thousand children are diagnosed with cancer annually.

According to a report by Sibel Bahçetepe from BirGün, 3 thousand 500 children are diagnosed with cancer in our country within a year, with leukemia being the most common. Pediatric Hematology Specialist Prof. Dr. Gül Nihal Özdemir stated, "If symptoms such as fever and fatigue in children cannot be explained by an infection or another cause and persist, one must be suspicious."

PAY ATTENTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS!

Responding to BirGün's questions during Leukemia Awareness Week, Prof. Özdemir, a Board Member of the Foundation for Children with Leukemia (KAÇUV), stated that cancer is much rarer in children compared to adults, noting, "Leukemia is the most common cancer in children. Leukemia is a blood cancer that occurs as a result of the uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells in the bone marrow. It begins in the bone marrow and generally affects body systems involved in blood production, such as the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Leukemia can leave the body vulnerable by disrupting the normal function of blood cells such as red blood cells, leukocytes, and platelets, and can cause problems such as anemia, infections, and bleeding."

Emphasizing that leukemia can be seen at any age in children but most frequently appears between the ages of 1 and 5, Özdemir said that the exact causes of leukemia are unknown, but some environmental factors and genetic factors may contribute to the development of the disease.

GENETICS AND RADIATION EXPOSURE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST

Prof. Dr. Özdemir listed the risk factors that could lead to leukemia as "Genetics, radiation exposure, chemical exposure, medications, viral infections, Down syndrome." Explaining that the initial complaints and symptoms of the disease can sometimes be mild and may not be taken seriously, Prof. Özdemir summarized: "It is important for families to be careful regarding initial symptoms and to consult a doctor in case of suspicion. Of course, not every fever and fatigue means cancer. However, if these findings cannot be explained by an infection or another cause and persist, one must be suspicious. Early diagnosis and treatment are of vital importance for leukemia patients. Today, great progress has been made in the treatment of childhood leukemia, and many types of leukemia have become treatable. Leukemia can be treated with methods such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. In cases that cannot be treated or that progress, leukemia can be life-threatening."

Symptoms of leukemia are as follows:

Fever, fatigue, paleness, weight loss, frequent infections, purple spots on the body, bone and leg pain, swelling in lymph nodes and the abdomen, swelling in the testicles in boys, swelling and bleeding in the gums

News Source: 12punto