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Childhood Cancer

In recent years, there have been significant improvements in survival rates for certain childhood cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia.1 Even so, understanding what childhood cancer is and how it works can help families prepare for a diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Let’s dive deeper into what you should know about childhood cancer and how Aflac’s cancer insurance can give you financial support.

3 Min Read

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Childhood cancer refers to abnormal cell growth in children and teens, forming tumors that can spread to other parts of the body.
  • Common childhood cancers include leukemia, brain and spinal tumors, lymphoma, and kidney tumors. Symptoms may include swelling, persistent pain, and unexplained weight loss.
  • Aflac’s cancer insurance for individuals and families can help you manage treatment-related expenses by providing financial support beyond medical costs.

What is childhood cancer?

Childhood cancer, or pediatric cancer, is abnormal cell growth that affects children and teens. This involves the uncontrollable or atypical growth of cells in the body to form tumors. Some tumors are benign and do no harm, while others are malignant and can spread to nearby tissue and other parts of the body.

Why do children get cancer?

While most cancers in adults have known causes and risk factors, many childhood cancers do not. However, over the years researchers have identified some risk factors for cancer in children, including:

  • Inherited genetic factors: Some health conditions may be passed on through parent's genes. For example, a disease that affects the eyes is usually seen in children who inherited a faulty RB1 gene from their parents.2
  • Acquired genetic mutations: Some childhood cancers may be caused by DNA changes that happen before birth (while the fetus is developing) or during the early years of a child's life. These gene mutations can happen at random and are not inherited.
  • Infections: In some cases, childhood cancers may be linked to chronic infections like HIV, Epstein‐Barr virus, and malaria.3 Infections aren't as significant a cancer risk factor in developed countries.
  • Environmental factors: The impact of factors like chemical exposure is not as well understood in children as it is in adults. However, there are some links between childhood cancers and exposure to air pollution, pesticides, tobacco and alcohol exposure, indoor chemical exposure, electromagnetic fields, and radon.4
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Types of childhood cancer

Common childhood cancers differ from common adult cancers. Lung and colorectal cancers are more common in adults, along with prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women.5 Here are some common types of childhood cancers:6

Leukemia

Leukemias, especially acute lymphocytic leukemia (also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia) (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), are the most common childhood cancers. They affect the bone marrow and blood and may cause symptoms like bone and joint pain, weakness, and fatigue.

Brain and spinal tumor

Brain and spinal cord tumors exist in many forms. The treatments and outlook for each can vary. Brain tumors in children may cause headaches, nausea, and vision problems, along with other symptoms. Spinal cord tumors are less common but may cause numbness, weakness, and lack of coordination in the arms and legs. It's important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other abnormalities, and don't necessarily mean your child has a brain or spinal cord tumor.

Lymphoma

Lymphomas often start in the lymph nodes, tonsils, or thymus. They may affect the bone marrow and other organs over time. Swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, weight loss, and sweats are among the symptoms. Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the main types.

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is usually observed in infants and young children as it starts in the nerve cells found in developing embryos or fetuses. It starts as a swelling in the abdomen and can cause bone pain, fever, and other symptoms.

Kidney tumor

Kidney tumors, sometimes known as Wilms tumors or nephroblastoma, can show up on one or both kidneys. It may be accompanied by symptoms like loss of appetite, fever, and nausea.

What are some signs of childhood cancer?

Signs and symptoms of childhood cancer depend on the type of cancer and where it starts. Here are some general symptoms that parents and caregivers may want to look out for:7

  • A lump or swelling
  • Easy bruising and bleeding
  • Persistent pain
  • Changes in vision or eyes
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Persistent fevers or illnesses
  • Paleness, fatigue, and loss of energy
  • Frequent headaches, dizziness, and vomiting
  • Limping

Can childhood cancer be treated?

There have been significant advances in medical science and healthcare, allowing for successful treatment of many forms of childhood cancer. Additionally, cure rates have dramatically improved over the past few decades. A multidisciplinary team of medical professionals often tailors the treatment plan to the individual needs of the child, considering factors like:

  • The child's age
  • The child’s overall health
  • Anticipated side effects of the treatment

It's also notable that research is ongoing to develop more effective treatments for each type of childhood cancer.

Get cancer insurance from Aflac

Cancer insurance can help provide parents and families with financial support in case of a childhood cancer diagnosis. Aflac offers supplemental cancer insurance for individuals and families (insurance that offers additional coverage for expenses not covered by primary health insurance) that goes beyond covering medical expenses. Our cash benefits can help you deal with day-to-day expenses, bills, mortgage payments, and more. Speak with an agent today to learn more about your options.

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