What are the symptoms of cancer in childhood? Early diagnosis and critical warnings from experts

The vital importance of early diagnosis has once again come to the fore in childhood cancers, which, although rare, constitute the main cause of disease-related deaths in children under the age of 15 in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK data, while approximately 1,900 children aged 0-14 are diagnosed with cancer every year, it is stated that less than a third of parents are aware of the symptoms of these diseases.

FIRST SYMPTOMS CAN BE EASILY MISSED

Gemma, mother of 13-year-old Amelia Carroll, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) last year and is currently in remission, states that the first symptoms can be easily overlooked, thinking they are out of shape or tired after school. The process, which started with complaints of being out of breath and getting tired quickly after light exercise, was brought to the doctor's control after unexplained bruises occurred on the body, and a diagnosis of leukemia was made within 10 days.

Similarly, Lynsey Swinscoe, mother of Jake, who died of soft tissue cancer at the age of 13, stated that the first symptoms were attributed to hay fever due to nasal congestion and watery eyes, and the fatigue was attributed to end-of-term fatigue.

"ATTENTION TO CONTINUING SYMPTOMS" WARNING FROM EXPERTS

Children's oncologist Professor Bob Phillips says parents should be alert to signs that persist, worsen or grow. Experts point out the following basic symptoms:

extreme fatigue

looking pale

unexplained bruises

Swellings and lumps that grow over time or do not go away

While it is pointed out that cancer develops much faster in children compared to adults due to the growth process, in the UK healthcare system, if there are three symptoms that do not go away or if a doctor is consulted three times with the same complaint, a detailed examination is made.

SURVIVAL RATES ARE INCREASING

It is stated that survival rates have increased significantly since the 1970s thanks to advances in medicine, with eight out of every 10 children surviving five to 10 years or more after diagnosis. Pediatric oncologist Prof. Dr. Bob Phillips emphasizes that the survival rate for childhood cancer in the UK is over 80 percent, but faster diagnosis will greatly reduce the severity of treatment.