Childhood Cancer Awareness: What Parents and Guardians Should Know

It’s normal for kids to catch colds, stomach bugs and other minor illnesses throughout their childhood. However, for a small number of children, more serious conditions like cancer can develop.

“While many people think of cancer as an adult disease, it can affect kids as well,” says Jacob Troutman, DO, pediatric hematologist oncologist with Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. “The good news is that childhood cancer is rare, and survival rates have improved dramatically over the past 50 years thanks to advances in treatment.”

To raise awareness, Dr. Troutman shares answers to common questions about childhood cancer below:

The most common childhood cancers include:

• Leukemia, which affects the cells of the blood and bone marrow
• Lymphoma, which affects the cells of the immune system
• Brain and spinal cord tumors

Other cancers do occur in children, but they are much less common. These include:

• Bone tumors
• Neuroblastoma
• Wilms tumor
• Soft tissue sarcomas

Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancers are not linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking or exercise. In some cases, genetic conditions or inherited mutations may increase risk, but most childhood cancers occur without a clear cause.

“In most instances, we don’t know why a child develops cancer,” Dr. Troutman says. “Even without knowing the cause, the important thing is that treatments continue to improve, and outcomes are better than ever.”

Symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer, but common warning signs include:

• Unexplained lumps or swelling
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Fatigue
• Frequent headaches with vomiting
• Limping or refusal to walk
• Pale skin
• Recurring fevers
• Sudden vision changes
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Persistent pain
• Unexplained weight loss

“It’s important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by much less serious conditions,” Dr. Troutman says. “If you notice any of these changes, the best step is to schedule a visit with your child’s pediatrician, who can do a full evaluation and refer you to a specialist if needed.”

Treatment depends on the type of cancer type and stage, but common options include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery
• Bone marrow transplant
• Immunotherapy (helping the immune system target cancer cells)

Children may also be eligible for clinical trials, which give access to promising new therapies. In fact, many of today’s standard treatments were first tested through clinical research.

“Over the last few decades, we’ve identified more effective-ways to treat the most common cancers affecting kids,” Dr. Troutman says. “These advances have not only improved survival rates, but they have also helped more children remain in remission.”

At the Children’s Cancer and Multipurpose Infusion Center at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, Dr. Troutman and his colleagues provide personalized treatment and family-centered support. The program is part of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the world’s largest consortium of pediatric cancer hospitals and researchers.

“Our association with COG means children here receive the same leading-edge treatments that are offered at the most-renowned cancer centers in the world,” Dr. Troutman says.

Beyond medical care, families have access to child life specialists, who help children cope with treatment through play, relaxation and age-appropriate education.

“My colleagues and I know that a childhood cancer diagnosis is life-changing, and we strive to offer comprehensive care and support for families close to home. We want the kids we care for and their families to feel like part of our family,” Dr. Troutman says.

While childhood cancer is rare, it’s natural to feel concerned. Here are some steps you can take to monitor your child’s health:

• Trust your instincts. If you notice changes in your child’s health or behavior that don’t seem normal, don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician.
• Keep routine checkups. Regular well visits give your child’s doctor the chance to track growth, development and overall health – and catch concerns early.
• Know the warning signs. While most symptoms like fevers, bruising or fatigue are usually caused by common illnesses, being aware of when they persist or don’t improve is important.