Early Cancer Detection
Can Childhood Cancers Be Detected Early?
Cancers in children often are difficult to recognize.
Parents should see that their children have regular medical checkups and should be alert to any unusual signs or symptoms that persist. These include an unusual mass or swelling; unexplained paleness and loss of energy; sudden tendency to bruise; a persistent, localized pain or limping; prolonged, unexplained fever or illness; frequent headaches, often with vomiting; sudden eye or vision changes; and excessive, rapid weight loss.
There is hope in the face of devastating diagnosis. A diagnosis of childhood cancer is devastating for the family. Childhood cancer is treated aggressively, often with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, at a time of life when bodies are growing and developing. Treatment has a significant long-term impact on childrens' endocrine, heart, and cognitive functions.
Childhood Cancer Facts
Each school day, 46 children are diagnosed with cancer. One in 330 children will develop cancer by age 20. Although the 5 year survival rate is steadily increasing, one quarter of children will die 5 years from the time of diagnosis. Cancer remains the number one disease killer of America's children - more than Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Asthma and AIDS combined