Early symptoms of childhood cancer

About 4 lakh children are diagnosed with childhood cancer worldwide. The survival rate of these children is much lesser in developing countries when compared to developed countries.This gap in the survival rate is because of the lack of awareness about the disease.

February 15th is International childhood cancer day and it aims to create childhood cancer awareness.The international society of paediatric oncology has released 9 warning signs to detect childhood cancer at its early stages. Diagnosis at early stages can increase the survival rate of the child.

Warning signs of childhood cancer

Palor, bruising or bleeding

Lumps (painless swelling in most cases)

High-grade fever not responding to antibiotics

Weight loss or persistent cough

Blurring of vision or white reflux can indicate eye tumours

Bloating of the stomach or mass in the stomach can indicate abdominal tumour

Severe headache associated with vomiting (usually morning vomiting)

Bone or joint pain (usually severe at night)

Tiredness or dizziness

Loss of coordination or loss of balance

If you notice any of these signs, immediately visit the oncology doctor.