There are a variety of dangerous diseases that can affect both adults and children. Leukemia, often known as blood cancer, is one of them. It is the most frequent malignancy in children under the age of 15, according to the National Cancer Institute in the United States. In India, this disease is the tenth leading cause of death in children aged 5 to 14. Every year, approximately 25,000 children are diagnosed with cancer.
What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a disease that affects blood cells. Its symptoms may not develop for a long period in certain circumstances. This disease can be cured if treated on time. While this disease is fatal in many cases, the number of children who recover from it is steadily increasing.
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the body’s blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow and lymphatic system. Blood cells begin to form in an irregular manner as a result of this. This prevents the healthy blood cells from performing vital tasks for the body. The body’s ability to fight infection and sickness is harmed as a result of this.
Leukemia comes in a variety of forms. Some kinds are more prevalent in youngsters, while others are more prevalent in adults. The most frequent blood malignancy in children is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
The specific cause of leukemia has yet to be discovered. Some specialists, however, feel that the condition is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental causes.
Symptoms in children:
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- The number of white blood cells develops excessively in children with leukemia, but they stop operating efficiently. As a result, the body is unable to combat any illness.
- Bleeding from the nose or gums can be an indication of blood cancer in youngsters. This occurs as a result of a low platelet count in children who are suffering from it.
- Joint pain in children can be a symptom of blood cancer if they have it on a regular basis. This occurs as a result of abnormal cells forming in the joint or surrounding the bones.
- Inflammation is an issue in leukemia patients. This swelling appears as lumps on the neck, underarms, and collarbone, as well as on the face, hands, and feet.
- Leukemia cells induce inflammation in the liver, kidneys, and liver, resulting in changes such as hunger, restlessness, and weight loss.
- These symptoms are often accompanied by headaches and coughs, so be cautious. Leukemia cells can damage various areas of the chest, causing shortness of breath and coughing in the patient. When leukemia cells infiltrate the brain or spinal cord, the kid experiences headaches, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and impaired vision.
- Many little red patches have been noticed on the face in some cases of leukaemia in children.
How can you keep your child safe from blood cancer?
Unlike some other malignancies, diet and exercise have little impact on risk of developing blood cancer. A healthy lifestyle, on the other hand, can greatly minimise the risk of various cancers and disorders. Regular checkups are also important in lowering the risk of it.