The word ‘cancer’ is sure to evoke worrying thoughts about its damaging effects, and many questions come to the mind, like am I at a risk of cancer? Well, there are various risk factors and some unknown causes of cancer. Studies have shown that leading a healthy lifestyle can reduce cancer risk significantly. Many people also look for answers to whether their children face cancer risks. Cancer in children is rare, and even in cases where children are affected by this disease, the factors are more related to DNA changes than environmental or lifestyle factors, say experts.
This article explains more about the warning signs of cancer in children, tips for prevention and also how having a cancer protection plan helps in safeguarding your loved ones.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 3 lakh children between the ages of 0 to 9 years are diagnosed with cancer every year. Most childhood cancers include leukemia (blood cancer), brain cancers, lymphomas, and solid tumours. It is a disheartening fact that cancer in children can be one of the major causes of deaths.
Signs of Cancer in Children
Cancer is a deadly disease, causing abnormal growth of cells in the body, which can affect anyone at any age. It slowly spreads, and without proper medical care, it can become life-threatening, leading to death. Studies are still going on to recognise the exact causes of cancer in children as they are not mostly related to environmental or lifestyle factors like that in adults. According to a recent report by Lancet Oncology, around 50,000 children and adolescents in India aged 0 to 19 years are diagnosed with cancer every year.
Some cancer symptoms in children include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of interest
- Unusual swelling or lump
- Trouble walking
- Persistent pain and frequent headaches
- Vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Gum bleeding or excessive bruising
- Unexplained fever for over two weeks
Tackling the Burden of Cancer
Experts also say that timely and accurate diagnosis of the problem followed by an early start of the treatment is the best way to reduce the burden of cancer among children. In cases like leukemia, advanced procedures, including chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant, are vital. The treatment is usually long-term extending over months. Surgery may also be necessary for brain tumours and bone tumours.
One cannot control the genetic factors; however, it is possible to take some preventive measures for reducing the cancer risk due to environment and lifestyle factors. Some of the tips for cancer prevention in children are:
- Providing a healthy diet, including organic foods, and boosting their immunity
- Encouraging physical activities and preventing obesity, a risk factor for cancer
- Safeguarding children from various environmental pollutants
- Encouraging a healthy lifestyle and proper sleep routine
- Ensuring adequate exposure to sunshine for vitamin D which helps lower cancer risk
>>Read: Reduce the Chance of Cancer with Healthy Lifestyle
One of the causes of deaths in children with cancer is the delayed diagnosis or incomplete treatment mostly due to the high expenses. While the poor sections of society face extreme financial hardships, even people from urban areas face the impact of medical inflation. It is precisely this reason that one should think about financial planning for the future. Investing in a cancer care plan is the right step people can take for the safety of their loved ones.
Opt for cancer cover policy by Care Health Insurance that provides affordable protection for your loved ones, against the expensive cancer treatment, with benefits, such as:
- In-patient hospitalisation
- Pre and post hospitalisation
- Day care treatment
- Ambulance cover
- Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Cover
- Organ Donor Cover
- Lifelong Renewability
- Annual Health Check-up
We offer cashless hospitalisation facility at 24800+ cashless healthcare providers. Visit our official website to opt for a cancer protection plan today.
Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for Cancer is subject to policy terms and conditions.
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