Catching childhood cancer early can improve survival rates significantly. Unfortunately, childhood cancers are sometimes overlooked or misdiagnosed because early symptoms are mistakenly attributed to more common injuries or illnesses. It is recommended that children have regular medical check-ups, and that parents pay close attention to the development of unusual signs or chronic symptoms. Childhood cancer symptoms are frequently sudden, have no clear cause, and persist or worsen quickly.
Bleeding
From gums or nose, especially if frequent or severe.
Bone Pain or Breaks
Limping or avoiding use of a body part with no clear cause of injury, breaks in unusual places.
Bowel & Bladder Changes
Difficulty urinating or passing a bowel movement, discolored urine or stool.
Breathing Issues
Persistent cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Bruising & Pallor
Loss of color in the face and lips, bruises from light contact that should not cause bruising.
Clumsiness
Difficulty walking or keeping balance, sudden weakness.
Disorientation
Confusion, dizziness, difficulty speaking normally.
Eye Changes
White pupil, squint, bruising, swelling, redness, vision impairment, eyes looking in different directions.
Facial Drooping
Asymmetrical weakness in facial muscles, such as a lopsided smile.
Fatigue
Sudden and unusual loss of energy, tiring quickly in tasks that are normally not taxing.
Fever
Sustained fever without other signs of infection, especially if accompanied by sweating at night.
Headaches
Severe or persistent headaches, potentially accompanied by vomiting.
Lumps
Swelling around neck, abdomen, chest, pelvis, or armpits, especially if painless.
Mood Shifts
Uncharacteristic irritability or outbursts, sudden inability to focus.
Vomiting
Especially when occurring in the morning but not the afternoon.
Weight Change
Sudden gain OR loss of weight, especially if diet/exercise have not changed.
If any of these symptoms are present, talk to your child’s doctor.
Genetics may predispose some children to developing a specific type of cancer—if you are concerned that your family history puts your child at a heightened risk, discuss your worries with your child’s pediatrician. He or she may recommend imaging tests (i.e. MRI, x-ray), additional screening tests, and/or a biopsy if your child presents with an abnormal lump or tumor. The biopsy will involve removing some or all of the cells within the tumor for closer examination under a microscope.
