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• Childhood cancers are mostly those of the white blood cells (leukemia), brain, bone, and the lymphatic system (lymphoma)
• Each type of childhood cancer behaves differently, but all develop because of an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells
• A diagnosis of cancer in a child or young adult can stir up many emotions and bring about quite a few changes to the family
Tomorrow Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Cancer Day.
An international day marked on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment, World Cancer Day is led by the Union for International Cancer Control to support the goals of the World Cancer Declaration, written in 2008.
The 2021 theme is ‘I am and I will.”
This year, World Cancer Day comes at a time the world is preoccupied with Covid-19 pandemic. As the Covid-19 pandemic rages, it is important to remember that the fight against cancer is still alive and continues every day. It is also important to understand that cancer does not only affect adults. Children, too, are greatly affected by it from a tender age.
According to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, cancer is a group of diseases which is caused by abnormal growth of body cells.
When cells become old or damaged, they die and are replaced with new cells.
However, sometimes this orderly process goes wrong.
“When this happens, cells do not die when they should and they continue to multiply without control forming a mass or tumour. These growths are considered either benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).”
The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe further says that childhood cancers are mostly those of the white blood cells (leukemia), brain, bone, and the lymphatic system (lymphoma).
Each type of childhood cancer behaves differently, but all develop because of an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
The causes of childhood cancers are largely unknown.
“A few conditions, such as Down syndrome, other specific chromosomal and genetic abnormalities, and ionizing radiation exposures, explain a small percentage of cases,” the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe further explains.
Early Detection
According to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, diagnosis of cancer in a child or young adult can stir up many emotions and bring about quite a few changes to the family.
“There’s a lot to cope with, countless questions to ask and many decisions to be made. It’s common for both the parents and their child to feel that life has spun out of control. This can happen when you don’t feel you have all the information you need to make decisions,” says the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe.
Gathering information and talking about cancer can help you and your family feel more in control and more involved. Knowing what to expect can often help put things in perspective and help you and your child make decisions.
• Enlarged head
• Lumps (abnormal lump or lumps on the body)
• Swelling (Unusual swelling or abnormal mass)
• Listleness (A high temperature that won’t come down, sudden weight loss, poor appetite)
• Pallor (A pale face especially if accompanied by listleness, a high temperature or unexplained bruising)
• Changes in the eye or vision (White spot in the pupil, sudden squinting, bulging eyeball, blindness)
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding (Persistent bleeding or development of purple marks indicating bleeding beneath the skin)
• Difficulty balancing
• Headaches (Often and with early morning vomiting)
• Personality change (Change in behaviour or development)
• Aching bones (Aching bones, joints or back, or fractures that happen easily))
Treatment
Even when treatment for childhood cancer yields positive results, young patients and their families must reckon with significant changes to their bodies and their lifestyles.
Even after cancer has been successfully treated, many patients and families struggle with emotional issues.
Although these feelings are normal, a mental health professional should be consulted if they are severe or persist. Eating properly and enjoying physical exercise provide many important health benefits to childhood cancer survivors. After successful treatment for childhood cancer, talk with your medical provider to develop a healthy eating plan and an exercise program tailored toward your child’s individual needs.
Basic Guidelines for Health and Nutrition
• Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day
• Eat high-fiber foods such as whole grain breads, rice and cereals
• Avoid high-fat foods such as French fries, potato chips and pizza
• Choose low-fat dairy products and meats (such as chicken and fish)
• Exercise until one is tired, but not in pain
• Select enjoyable exercises, such as group sports or “fun” activities
• Include warm-up and cool-down activities
• Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, at least 5 days per week. – Additional information from the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe website
Online Reporter