International Childhood Cancer Day: 8 Childhood Cancer Types

International Childhood Cancer Day or ICCD is observed every year on 15th February. It aims to create awareness on various childhood cancer types. ICCD also serves as a reminder to support all cancer-affected children and their families. More than 4 lakh children are suffering from cancer globally, according to reports [1]. To improve these numbers, WHO launched a global initiative called GICC for childhood cancer. The main aim of this initiative is to reduce suffering and ensure at least 60% of children survive their cancer by 2030.

Read on for insight into the various types of childhood cancer and how International Childhood Cancer Day 2022 is going to be observed.

Types of childhood cancer and symptoms

Bone cancer

This is a condition that affects children’s bones. While it occurs most commonly in teens and older kids, it is possible for bone cancer to occur at any age. Pain in the bone and swelling are a few symptoms of bone cancer. If your kid has developed this condition, there may be painful lumps on the bone. This can interfere with your kid’s bone stability and growth. If it is primary bone cancer, it can spread to lungs and other bones. 

There are two types of primary bone cancer that normally affects children [2]:

• Ewing sarcoma, which is less common, affects bones in the pelvic, upper leg and arm regions.
• Osteosarcoma affects knee regions and occurs during puberty. 

Lymphoma

This is known as cancer of the immune system as it affects lymphoid tissues of your body. When lymphoma cells multiply, white blood cells are unable to fight infection. As a result, your lymph nodes are unable to defend the body against foreign particles like viruses. The two main types of lymphoma include Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin. While the former progresses gradually, the latter appears and progresses rapidly.

Leukemia

When cancer develops in bone marrow cells, it is called leukemia. This is one of the most common types of childhood cancer. Bone marrow is actually the core of long bones in your body in which RBCs, WBCs and platelets are produced. In case of leukemia, the bone marrow starts to produce immature WBCs that are incapable of fighting infections. 

There are two types of leukemia known as ALL and AML. ALL or acute lymphoid leukemia is the most common type affecting children. This cancer can easily spread to blood vessels in spinal cord, brain and other vital organs.

Brain cancer

This condition occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells in the spine or brain. These abnormal cells can disrupt the normal functioning of a child’s body such as sensation, movement or behavior. 

There are four different types of brain cancers depending on the type of cancer cells, which include:

• Astrocytoma
• Primitive neuroectodermal tumor
• Ependymomas
• Brain stem gliomas

Neuroblastoma

This kind of cancer develops in early forms of nerve cells. It is seen in a developing fetus and becomes evident in young children and infants. This type of cancer is rare in kids above 10 years of age. While the tumor can develop anywhere, the most common point is the abdomen in the form of a swelling. Pain in the bone and fever are a few common symptoms that occur in this cancer type.

Wilms tumor

Also known as nephroblastoma, this may originate in a child’s kidneys. Children between the age of 3 and 4 years are more likely to develop this condition. Nausea, fever, poor appetite and pain are a few common symptoms seen in this type of cancer.

Retinoblastoma

This is known as the cancer of the eye and affects children of 2 years of age. When there is a change in the way a child’s eye looks and you find the pupil to be pink or white in color, this type of cancer is the reason. 

How is International Childhood Cancer Day 2022 going to be observed?

The theme for this year’s ICCD is Better Survival. This year focuses on providing the right care at the right time. With ideal medical care and attention, you can support the lives of children who are fighting cancer.

Childhood cancer awareness is essential so that you can understand the early warning signs and symptoms. Keep yourself updated about such conditions. Also ensure you provide the right nutrition for children so that they are healthier. You can consult top pediatricians on Bajaj Finserv Health to address any health concerns regarding your child. Book an online medical consultation and clear your concerns from the comfort of your home. You can also invest in a child health insurance plan on Bajaj Finserv Health affordably. This can come in handy to meet your child’s medical expenses.