14 Possible Signs Of Childhood Cancer Everybody Needs To Be Aware Of
These symptoms don’t always mean cancer – but it’s always best to get things checked
6 February 2019
All Credits: PA
Thankfully, cancer in children is rare – but it’s still a good idea for everybody to be aware of the possible warning signs and symptoms.
According to Cancer Research UK, around 1,800 youngsters aged 0-14 years are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK, and cure rates for children are generally much higher than adult cancers too.
In fact, thanks to breakthroughs in research and treatment developments, Macmillan reports that childhood cancer survival rates have more than doubled since the 1960s (on average, around 82% of kids diagnosed with cancer will now be completely cured).
The most common type of childhood cancer is leukaemia, which accounts for about a third of all cases, followed by cancers of the brain and spinal cord, which account for a quarter. But what are the signs and symptoms to look out for?
Remember, these don’t automatically mean cancer and are often caused by something far more common and harmless – however, it is always best to get things checked with your doctor, so make an appointment with your GP if you have any concerns (and if symptoms persist, you can always go back for another chat).
Here are 14 possible signs and symptoms of childhood cancer to be aware of…
1. Unable To Wee, Or Blood In Their Wee
Keep an eye out for any unusual changes in their toilet habits, particularly blood in the urine, or difficulty passing urine.
Check on toilet changes
2. Unexplained Bleeding
A child with cancer may bleed more than expected, after a minor injury or nosebleed for example.
3. Persistent Abdominal Pain Or Swelling
Persistent tummy pains should be checked out (Thinkstock/PA)
The occasional stomach ache is very common in kids, but if they’re complaining of an ongoing stomach ache, or you notice their tummy looks swollen, get it checked. Leukaemia cells can accumulate in the spleen, liver, and kidneys, causing abdominal organs to enlarge.
4. Back Pain Or Joint Pain That Won’t Go Away
Are they saying their back, bones or joints keep hurting? Ongoing aches and pains of this nature can sometimes be linked with cancer, so make an appointment and get things checked.
Joint aches are normal from time to time but can also be due to cancer (Thinkstock/PA)
5. Unexplained Seizures Or Changes In Behaviour
Seizures are one of the most common symptoms in paediatric brain tumours, and should always be investigated.
6. Headaches That Won’t Go Away
Everybody gets headaches from time to time – but if they seem to be happening frequently or are getting worse, see your GP.
Do they keep getting headaches? (Thinkstock/PA)
7. Frequent Or Unusual Bruising, Paleness And Rashes
Kids are prone to bumps and bruises – but if they seem to be unusually prone to bruising, or bruises appear for no clear reason, this may be a sign of cancer. An unusually pale complexion, and a rash with red or purple spots that won’t go away are also possible symptoms that it’s best to get checked.
8. Feeling Tired All The Time
Just like adults, children can get exhausted – but unusual and ongoing tiredness can be a warning sign that something’s wrong. While lots of other things can cause tiredness, make an appointment and chat things through with your GP.
Children may appear to have less energy than usual (Thinkstock/PA)
9. Frequent Flu-Like Symptoms Or Infections
Cancer can affect white blood cells, which may mean they’re more prone to infections and flu-like symptoms.
10. Unexplained Vomiting
Bouts of sickness are very common in young children and usually caused by something minor. But unusual vomiting, especially if it’s occurring regularly, should be checked out, just in case there’s something else going on.