Childhood Cancers: Types, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Leukemia: Cancer of the blood and bone marrow, accounting for approximately 30% of childhood cancers
Brain and spinal cord tumors: Second most common type, accounting for around 20% of childhood cancers
Lymphoma: Cancer of the immune system, making up around 10% of childhood cancers
Neuroblastoma: Cancer of the nervous system, most common in infants and young children
Wilms tumor: Cancer of the kidneys, typically affecting children under the age of 5
Rhabdomyosarcoma: Cancer of the soft tissues, such as muscles and connective tissue
Retinoblastoma: Cancer of the eye, typically affecting children under the age of 5

Genetic mutations: Many childhood cancers are caused by genetic mutations, either inherited or acquired
Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, and viruses may increase the risk of developing childhood cancer
Family history: Having a family history of cancer may increase the risk of developing childhood cancer

Common symptoms: Fatigue, fever, weight loss, pain, and bruising or bleeding
Diagnostic tests: Imaging tests (e.g. X-rays, CT scans, MRI), bone marrow biopsies, and blood tests
Staging: Classification of cancer into stages based on the extent of the disease

Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to kill cancer cells
Radiation therapy: Use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells
Surgery: Removal of tumors or cancerous tissues
Stem cell transplantation: Replacement of damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells

Overall survival rate: Approximately 80% of children with cancer survive for 5 years or more after diagnosis
Prognosis: Varies depending on the type of cancer, stage, and response to treatment

Late effects: Long-term effects of cancer treatment, such as infertility, heart problems, and secondary cancers
Survivorship: Care and support for childhood cancer survivors, including monitoring for late effects and providing emotional support