The Importance of Early Screening and Prevention in Childhood Cancer

Childhood cancers, also known as paediatric cancers, though rare, represent a significant public health challenge and are increasingly emerging as a critical concern. Despite advances in treatment that have drastically improved survival rates globally, paediatric cancer remains the leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 14 years. In India, children under 15 years old account for 1.6% to 4.8% of all cancer cases, with an incidence rate lower than that of developed nations, ranging from 38 to 124 per million children annually. According to the 2023 National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) report, childhood cancers in the 0–14 age group represent 4% of all cancer cases. These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective early screening and prevention strategies to enhance outcomes and reduce the burden of childhood cancer in India.

Dr. Viswatej (Vishu) Avutu, MD, Sarcoma Medical Oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center shares all that you need to know about the prevention of childhood cancer:

Common Types of Childhood Cancer

Childhood cancers vary widely, affecting different parts of the body and requiring specialized treatments. For instance, blood cancers, like leukaemia and lymphoma, that affect our body’s blood and immune systems, often present with symptoms such as severe fatigue, easy bruising and bleeding and repeated and unusual infections. Brain and spinal cord tumours, on the other hand, can present with neurological symptoms like persistent headaches, vision changes, and motor or sensory dysfunction, including numbness or loss of bladder and bowel control. Bone cancers, such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, may cause unexplained bone pain, improper bone growth or unusual fractures.

Additionally, neuroblastoma, which arises from immature nerve cells, commonly affects the adrenal glands, neck, or spine and can cause abdominal or back masses, unexplained pain, changes in bowel and bladder habits, and neurological symptoms. Retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer affecting the retina, is often detected through unusual eye tests and changes in vision.

The Role of Early Screening

Early screening is vital in managing childhood cancers as it facilitates the detection of cancerous conditions before noticeable symptoms arise. This proactive approach enables prompt diagnosis and treatment, usually before the cancer has had a chance to spread, significantly improving the chances of successful outcomes and survival rates. By identifying cancers at an earlier stage, healthcare professionals can develop and implement targeted treatment plans tailored to the child’s specific needs, which can lead to more effective management and fewer complications. Additionally, early screening can uncover genetic predispositions, allowing for preventive measures and more personalized care strategies that address individual risks and enhance overall treatment efficacy over the course of an individual’s lifetime.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing childhood cancers can be more complex than preventing cancers in adults due to the limited influence of lifestyle factors; however, certain strategies can still be effective. While many childhood cancers are not preventable, reducing exposure to known risk factors is important. For example, avoiding harmful chemicals during pregnancy and ensuring a healthy lifestyle can potentially lower some risks.

Vaccinations against cancer-related infections, such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV), can also help prevent certain types of cancer. Additionally, genetic screening and counselling for families with a history of cancer can identify risk factors early, enabling proactive monitoring and early detection. Regular health check-ups and a focus on maintaining a healthy environment are key components in managing potential risks and improving overall outcomes for children.

Treatment options for paediatric cancers are tailored to the specific needs of each child, the specific type of cancer, and can include several key approaches. Bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapies in many blood cancers involve replacing damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy cells or using engineered cells to target cancer. Paediatric surgery aims to remove solid tumours or cancerous tissues from the body through precise surgical procedures.

Paediatric radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells in specific areas of the body. Paediatric chemotherapy employs powerful drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells throughout the body. Each treatment option is chosen based on the type of cancer, its stage, and the child’s overall health, with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome.

Early screening and prevention are vital in the fight against childhood cancer. By detecting the disease at an early stage, healthcare providers can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment, reducing the physical and emotional toll on young patients and their families.