Early detection of pediatric cancer is crucial. The sooner cancer can be identified, the more quickly and easily it can be treated. As a parent, there are several signs and symptoms you should look out for in your child. Remember that these symptoms may not necessarily indicate cancer, but consult a pediatrician if any of these persist or raise concerns. 

Because children may be too young to express their feelings or accurately explain symptoms, parents, teachers, and caregivers must be attentive and diligent.

4 Critical Tips for Catching Cancer Early

Tip #1 – Listen to Your Child

First and foremost, take a child’s complaints seriously. If they frequently express that they’re in pain or discomfort, don’t brush it off. It can be too easy to dismiss these complaints as attention-seeking or attempts to skip school. Really listen to your child. While it may be nothing, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! 

Tip #2 – Know the Symptoms

These are some of the early symptoms of common pediatric cancers.

• Unexplained weight loss – If your child is losing weight without apparent reason (such as dietary changes), it could be a cause for concern.

• Persistent fever – A prolonged and unexplained fever that doesn’t respond to typical treatments warrants further investigation.

• Unexplained pain – Continuous pain in any body part, such as bones or joints, could be a red flag.

• Fatigue and weakness – Be mindful of constant tiredness or weakness that interferes with daily activities and doesn’t improve with rest.

• Changes in the appearance of a mass or lump – Check for any new or enlarging masses, lumps, or swelling on the body.

• Persistent infections – Frequent or recurrent infections, such as ear or respiratory infections, may indicate an underlying issue.

• Easy bruising or bleeding – Watch for unexplained bruising, bleeding from the gums, nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding from cuts.

• Changes in eye appearance – An unusual white reflection in the eye pupil, known as “cat’s eye reflex” or leukocoria, may be a sign of eye cancer (retinoblastoma). It may be detectable through a photo taken with a camera flash.

• Changes in balance or coordination – Investigate any sudden and unexplained changes in balance, gait, or coordination.

• Unexplained changes in behavior – Don’t dismiss drastic changes in behavior, such as irritability, loss of appetite, or developmental regression.

• Persistent headaches – Track frequent and severe headaches, especially in the morning or with vomiting.

• Vision changes –

  See a doctor for difficulty seeing or sudden vision changes that don’t go away.

Tip #3 – Know the Risk Factors

Pediatric cancer is not preventable like adult cancers. That said, certain risk factors may increase a child’s chances of developing the disease. Parents and guardians need to be aware of the following:

• Genetic history – Certain genetic conditions may increase cancer risk in children and adults. Parents should know their own genetic risk factors and what may be passed to their children.

• Radiation exposure – Inutero exposure to X-rays may increase the risks of cancer. These procedures should be avoided during pregnancy if possible.

• Biological risks – Certain viruses, like HIV, Epstein-Barr, hepatitis B and C, and HPV, are associated with elevated cancer risk. If your child has any of these conditions, be alert! 

• Chemical and drug exposure – Certain drugs taken during pregnancy have been linked to the development of cancer in the resulting children. Illicit drugs and alcohol should be avoided altogether. Expectant mothers should ask their doctors about the risks associated with any prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Tip #4 – Pursue Answers

When you see these signs and understand the risk factors, pursue answers. As parents and guardians, we must be advocates for our children. Younger kids don’t always know how to vocalize what they’re experiencing. It’s up to you to notice, listen, and take action. Don’t let fear of a diagnosis prevent you from seeking a physician. If you aren’t satisfied with the answers or feel your child’s symptoms are being dismissed, get a second opinion.

While the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean cancer, promptly discuss any concerns with a pediatrician. Pediatric cancer can be challenging to diagnose, so early detection and timely medical attention are essential for the best possible outcome.

This all can be scary – but it helps if you know what to look for and what steps to take.