Childhood Cancer Awareness: Recognizing the Signs and Sharing Hope
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, support children and families affected by cancer, and recognize the continued progress being made in childhood cancer treatment.
In a recent HAPPI Chat, Dr. Young-Harkins, Senior Pediatrician at HAPPI Health, discussed childhood cancers, signs parents should be aware of, and one of the most important messages for families: there is hope.
Understanding Childhood Cancer
Childhood cancers can affect children and adolescents from infancy through age 18. Leukemias, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), are among the cancers seen in children. Other childhood cancers can affect the kidneys, muscles, bones, eyes, nervous system, and other parts of the body.
Because children may not always be able to explain how they are feeling, parents and caregivers can play an important role in noticing changes.
Signs Parents and Caregivers Should Know
The signs of childhood cancer can vary widely and can also be caused by many conditions that are not cancer. However, Dr. Young-Harkins encourages parents to pay attention when something seems unusual or doesn't go away.
Changes that may warrant a conversation with your child's healthcare provider can include:
An unexplained lump, mass, or swelling
Unusual or persistent tiredness
Unexplained weight loss or decreased appetite
Changes in vision or eye alignment
New problems with balance, stumbling, or movement
Changes in speech or behavior
Persistent pain or other unexplained symptoms
Dr. Young-Harkins also discussed Wilms tumor, sometimes referred to as the “bathtub tumor,” because in some cases a parent or caregiver may first notice an abdominal mass while bathing a young child.
Noticing one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a child has cancer. The important thing is knowing your child's normal behavior and health and speaking with a healthcare professional about new, persistent, or concerning changes.
Awareness Brings Hope
For many families, the word “cancer” can be frightening. But Dr. Young-Harkins emphasized another word that deserves attention: cure.
Advances in research, diagnosis, and treatment have dramatically improved survival for many childhood cancers. Continued awareness, research, blood donation, donor registries, and community support can all play a role in helping children and families facing a cancer diagnosis.
Every percentage point of progress represents more children getting the opportunity to grow up, reach milestones, and experience their futures.
HAPPI Health Is Here for Families
At HAPPI Health, our role extends beyond the exam room. We strive to be a healthcare home for children and families throughout our community.
For families navigating serious illnesses such as childhood cancer, the HAPPI Health team can help connect patients with appropriate care, specialists, and community resources while continuing to support their overall health.
As we recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage our community to learn the signs, listen to parents and caregivers, support affected families, donate blood when possible, and help spread awareness.
Together, greater awareness and continued advances in medicine can bring us closer to a future where every child affected by cancer has the opportunity to thrive.
HAPPI Health is here for you and your family. Contact us to learn more about our pediatric services or to schedule an appointment.
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