Although adults can often point to environmental factors that contribute to the development of cancerous cells later in life, children with cancer aren’t in the same boat. They haven’t lived long enough to be exposed to the long-term effects of hazardous lifestyles and exposures.
As human beings, we’re always looking to answer the question “why?”
There's rarely an answer for pediatric cancer patients and their families. Unfortunately, this can lead to guilt and self-blame! Some parents will wonder – or even be told – that something they did caused their child’s cancer.
That’s simply not true. Knowing some of the true contributing factors to cancer in children can help families avoid unnecessary guilt and anguish. It also empowers parents to be more vigilant in looking for signs and symptoms as well as pursuing early testing when risk factors are present.
DNA controls the form and function of every human being. Not only are we a combination of the DNA of our parents, but our DNA (or genes) are constantly working and replicating in the production of new cells. There are two distinct kinds of DNA changes that can impact cancer risk: inherited and acquired. Inherited cancer risks can come from our parents just as other genetic disorders do.
If you’re considering having children in the future, genetic testing is available to determine each partner’s combined genetic risks for passing on a mutation that could result in health problems. With that said, inherited mutations aren’t terribly likely to cause cancer by themselves. Parents don’t “cause” their kids to develop cancer. It’s not hereditary in that sense – just that certain inherited mutations can increase the risk of cancer developing.
As we grow and develop throughout our lives and especially in the womb, our cells are constantly dividing and multiplying. Each new cell copies the DNA held in the cell before it, and there are times when imperfect copies are made. These mutations won’t be passed down in your genetics, but they can happen at any time throughout your life.
Very rarely are these acquired mutations linked to environmental factors. For adults, things like smoking cigarettes or radiation exposure can cause these mutations over time. For children, there doesn’t seem to be a definitive cause. As far as science today can determine, the acquired mutations are random.
Certain infections – namely Epstein Barr virus (EBV) – have been linked to increased cancer risk in children. This infection is extremely common in young children and generally has no symptoms. It’s not something that can be avoided. Those who are infected with EBV become viral carriers for life. While this doesn’t often lead to cancer, it has been linked to higher occurrences of Hodgkin lymphoma and other common pediatric cancers.
Children with Down’s Syndrome have been shown to be 10 to 20 times more likely to develop leukemia. The chances are still incredibly low – just be aware that preexisting medical conditions may influence your child’s cancer risk.
One of the reasons cancer survivors experience an elevated risk of secondary cancers is exposure to radiation therapy. While the benefits outweigh the risks, radiation exposure of any kind – even controlled, doctor-administered treatment – can increase cancer risks. Therefore, it’s so important for cancer survivors to continue follow-up care throughout their lives!
Parents, nothing you have done is going to give your child cancer. What your child ate, their postnatal care, or how you’ve raised them won’t cause cancer. Don’t listen to anyone who tries to tell you otherwise. In searching for explanations, we sometimes pass blame. So, moms and dads, listen: it is not your fault.
Even in terms of inherited genetics – even in parents who had childhood cancer themselves – the chance of your child developing cancer is slim.
You are not to blame. Childhood cancer is oftentimes simply random and unexplainable. Instead of torturing yourselves with questions of why and how, turn your attention to the future. Kids with cancer have better chances today than they ever have. Hold on to hope.
Join forces with your community for support and resources. Because it’s only together that we kick cancer!