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Every parent's worry increases when they hear the name of cancer in childhood. Cancer is generally considered a disease of adults, which is linked to unhealthy eating habits, smoking or lifestyle. However, the process and causes of cancer in children are completely different from those in adults. According to health experts, more than 80% of childhood cancers can be completely cured by timely identification of correct symptoms in children and starting immediate treatment.

According to medical experts, it is very important to understand the main causes, warning signs and timely detection methods of cancer in children.

Unlike cancer in adults, cancer in children does not occur due to bad lifestyle or eating habits. Its main reasons are as follows:

• Genetic and DNA Mutations: Most cancers in children are caused by sudden changes (mutations) in the DNA of cells. These changes cause cells to grow uncontrollably and form tumors.

• Genetic Causes (Inherited Genetic Conditions): In about 5 to 10 percent of cases, the disease is associated with family-inherited genetic anomalies (such as Down syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome).

• Pregnancy or early environmental exposures: In some rare cases, excessive prenatal exposure to radiation or certain toxins may also be a factor, although in most cases no obvious external cause is found.

The main cancers in children that affect rapidly growing tissues are:

• Leukemia: It is the most common blood cancer in children, affecting the white blood cells (WBCs) in the bone marrow.

• Brain and CNS Tumors: Tumors that develop in the brain and spinal cord.

• Lymphoma: Cancer affecting the lymphatic system.

• Neuroblastoma: Cancer of nerve cells, which often begins in the adrenal glands or stomach.

• Retinoblastoma: Cancer of the pupil (retina) of the eye, which is more common in children younger than 5 years.

• Wilms Tumor: Tumor occurring in the kidneys of children.

The symptoms of cancer in children are often similar to those of common childhood illnesses (such as the flu, a common injury, or an upset stomach), which can often lead to a delay in diagnosing the disease. If the following symptoms persist for a long time, contact a pediatrician immediately:

• Unexplained and persistent fever: Recurrent fever with no apparent infection or that does not get better for weeks.

• Abnormal lump or swelling: The appearance and enlargement of a painless lump in the neck, armpit, abdomen, groin, or testicles.

• Extreme fatigue and pallor: The child remains lethargic, has severe lack of energy and lack of blood (hemoglobin) in the body.

• Bruising or bleeding easily: Bruises on the skin or bleeding from the gums/nose without any major injury.

• Severe pain in bones and joints: The child complains of persistent pain in the legs or back, which worsens at night or causes the child to limp.

• White glow in eyes: In the flash light or light of the camera, the child's pupil appears white like a cat's eye or strabismus occurs.

• Persistent vomiting and headache: Headache upon waking up in the morning and persistent vomiting without upset stomach (possible sign of brain tumor).

If parents notice any abnormal symptoms in the child continuously for 2 to 3 weeks, then instead of wasting time in home remedies, they should immediately get checked by a qualified doctor. Primary investigations include complete blood count (CBC), ultrasound, X-ray and if necessary, MRI or biopsy.

Modern medical methods—such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy—have greatly increased the success rates of treating childhood cancer. Children's bodies tolerate chemotherapy better than adults and are more likely to recover. Awareness, timely detection and proper treatment without delay are the most effective ways to defeat childhood cancer.