Fighting cancer is one of the hardest things for someone to go through. It’s difficult enough as an adult, much less a child. Yet, it’s estimated that last year nearly 16,000 children under the age of 20 were diagnosed with cancer. In fact, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15 in the United States.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month marks a time to remember, honor, and support children and families who have battled and are battling the disease every day.
Cancer occurs when the body’s cells grow irregularly. Usually, healthy cells produce at a balanced rate, however with cancer, the cells grow uncontrollably. Depending on the type of cancer, some cells cluster to form a lump of tissue- a tumor.
According to American Childhood Cancer Organization, there are major differences in adult cancer versus childhood cancer. Eighty percent of childhood cancer cases are diagnosed only after the disease has metastasized and spread to other areas of the body. Also, childhood cancers are not linked to lifestyle factors, which rules out proactive measures to prevent cancer cell development in children.
The cause most times is unknown, however according to Children’s Cancer Research Fund, in rare cases, other factors, such as exposure to certain viruses, chemicals, high birth weight, or radiation play a role.
The organization lists the most common types of childhood cancers:
- Brain and Neural Tumors: Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor in children. However, new research and clinical trials are leading to life-saving innovations and increasing survivorship every day.
- Leukemias: Leukemia is the most-common type of childhood cancer, accounting for approximately 25 percent of all childhood cancers. Leukemia and other diseases of the blood and bone marrow may affect red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- Lymphomas: Lymphomas are tumors of the lymphatic system caused by abnormal lymphocyte growth. Children’s Cancer Research Fund has made great strides in the study and treatment of both Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in young people.
- Other Cancers: Though they are less common, cancers originating in the liver, kidneys, and gonads can pose a severe threat to young patients.
Childhood cancers are more treatable than cancers in adults. To successfully treat cancer, children may need more than one type of therapy – which can include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. However, due largely to modern medicine advances, nearly 80% of childhood cancers may be successfully treated.
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