The risk of many diseases in children is increasing rapidly these days. Nowadays, many cases of cancer are being seen in children. According to a recent National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP) report in India, cancer in children in the age group 0-14 accounts for 4 percent of all cancers. Childhood cancer is the fifth leading cause of child death globally. Leukemia i.e. blood cancer is the most common cancer in children under 15 years of age. It affects the blood cells. Its symptoms become visible early in some children. However, in some cases its symptoms appear after a long time.
If the symptoms are recognized in time, it is possible to save the lives of children to a great extent. Let us tell you what the initial symptoms of leukemia in children are. Dr. Shweta Bansal, Head of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and BMT at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, is giving information in this regard.
Symptoms of leukemia i.e. blood cancer in children
- It is difficult to recognize the symptoms of leukaemia in children because they often resemble other common diseases such as fever.
- If your child remains very tired and lethargic, even after complete sleep, it could be a symptom of blood cancer.
- Bleeding from the nose or gums or having small red spots on the skin is also a symptom.
- Due to this, there may be severe pain in the bones or back. Severe pain in the bones of hands and legs in children can also be a sign of leukaemia.
- Feeling lymph nodes under the skin, such as a lump in the armpit or neck, is a sign. There is no pain in these and if they do not dissolve on their own, then doctor's advice should be taken.
- Stomach pain, discomfort or swelling can also be a sign. This feeling can occur due to motion in the liver or any other organ.
- A child's loss of appetite or rapid weight loss can also be a sign of cancer.
- Persistent or recurring fever also indicates blood cancer. Don't ignore it.
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