Childhood Leukemia
Home Childhood leukaemia, the most common cancer in children, accounts for about 30% of all paediatric cancers. Every year, almost 25,000 children in India are diagnosed with cancer, with nearly 9000 of them having leukaemia. It affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to abnormal white blood cell production. While much information is available, some lesser-known facts about its symptoms, causes, and treatment options remain unfamiliar to many. Uncommon Symptoms of Childhood leukaemia Most people recognize common symptoms like persistent fatigue, fever, and easy bruising, but there are some lesser-known signs that might be overlooked: 1. Changes in Eye Appearance – Some children develop white or bluish spots in the eyes due to leukaemia-related eye involvement.– Swelling around the eyes and sudden vision problems may also occur. 2. Prolonged Bone Pain Misdiagnosed as Growing Pains – leukaemia cells can infiltrate bones, causing deep bone pain that parents often mistake for normal growth-related discomfort.– If a child limps frequently or avoids walking, it could be a red flag. 3. Gum Swelling and Bleeding – leukaemia can cause gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth) and frequent bleeding of the gums.– This is often mistaken for poor dental hygiene or vitamin deficiencies. 4. Frequent Infections Without a Fever – While recurrent fevers are a well-known sign, some children may experience constant low immunity without developing noticeable fevers.– Persistent sinus infections or fungal infections unresponsive to antibiotics may indicate an issue with white blood cell function. 5. Abdominal Swelling Due to Organ Enlargement – leukaemia can lead to swelling of the liver and spleen, causing the belly to appear bloated.– It might be mistaken for dietary bloating or digestive issues. Hidden Causes and Risk Factors of Childhood Leukemia 1. Prenatal and Early-Life Exposures – Exposure to high levels of pesticides, benzene, or household chemicals during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk.– Some studies suggest maternal stress and infections during pregnancy could influence fetal immune development, increasing susceptibility. 2. Links to Gut Microbiome – Researchers have found that imbalanced gut bacteria in early childhood may contribute to leukemia risk.– Children raised in extremely sterile environments with low exposure to microbes may have underdeveloped immune systems, leading to abnormal immune responses. 3. The Role of Hidden Genetic Mutations – While some genetic mutations are inherited, many leukemia-related mutations occur spontaneously in the womb and remain undetected until symptoms appear.– Some children may carry mutations in the PAX5 gene or ETV6 gene, increasing their risk of leukemia without a family history. 4. High-Risk Environmental Factors – Living near high-voltage power lines or prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation is being explored as a possible contributing factor.– Certain artificial food dyes and preservatives are also being studied for their potential effects on cellular DNA. Little-Known Facts About Treatment and Recovery 1. Some Forms of Childhood Leukemia Can Resolve Without Immediate Treatment – A rare condition called Transient Abnormal Myelopoiesis (TAM) in newborns with Down syndrome mimics leukemia but often disappears without treatment.– This has led researchers to explore natural immune mechanisms that might help combat leukemia in its early stages. 2. Immunotherapy May Replace Chemotherapy in the Future – CAR-T cell therapy, a revolutionary treatment, uses the child’s own immune cells to fight leukemia and is showing promising results with fewer long-term side effects than chemotherapy.– Some new trials are testing cancer vaccines that train the immune system to recognize leukemia cells early. 3. Chemo Brain Affects Children Differently – Many childhood leukemia survivors experience ‘chemo brain,’ leading to cognitive difficulties, but brain plasticity in children allows better recovery than in adults.– Cognitive therapy and omega-3 fatty acids are being studied for their role in improving brain function post-treatment. 4. Leukemia Cells Can “Hide” from Treatment – Some leukemia cells evade chemotherapy by entering a sleep-like state within bone marrow niches.– New treatments aim to ‘wake up’ these dormant cells before targeting them with drugs. 5. Survivors Have a Higher Risk of Second Cancers – Childhood leukemia survivors have a 4-6 times higher risk of developing a secondary cancer later in life due to previous chemotherapy and radiation exposure.– Long-term follow-ups and nutrient-rich diets are recommended to help mitigate this risk. Final Thoughts While childhood leukemia is a life-altering diagnosis, research continues to uncover hidden factors that influence its development, progression, and treatment. Parents and caregivers should remain vigilant about uncommon symptoms and seek early medical evaluation for persistent health issues. With the rapid advancement of targeted therapies and personalized medicine, the future holds hope for better survival rates and fewer long-term complications for young patients.
Hereditary Cancers: Is Cancer in your DNA? Find out and take Charge!
Home Imagine if you could predict your risk of developing cancer and take steps to prevent it – sounds like something out of science fiction, right? But thanks to modern genetic science, this is possible! Cancer is often seen as a disease that occurs randomly, but in some cases, it runs in families due to inherited genetic mutations. These are known as hereditary cancers, which means the risk of developing certain type of cancer is passed down from parents to children. What are Hereditary Cancers? Think of your DNA as your body’s instruction manual. Sometimes, small errors (mutations) in certain genes could increase the risk of occurrence of cancer. These mutations can be inherited causing certain types of cancers forming a pattern, putting multiple family members at risk. Approximately 5% to 10% of cancers are attributable to a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome. The most common hereditary cancers include: Breast, Ovarian and Prostate, Pancreatic cancers and Melanoma Colon Cancer and related cancers including endometrium, gastric, small bowel, glioblastoma, ureter, or renal pelvis. Breast, Uterus and Thyroid cancers Certain types of Leukemia Colon cancers with polyps, non-cancerous polyps in colon, gastric and duodenum. Kidney Cancers and multi-system disorder characterized by abnormal growth of blood vessels (called hemangioblastomas or angiomas). Hemangioblastomas may develop in the retina, certain areas of the brain, the spinal cord. But here’s the catch – just because cancer runs in your family doesn’t mean you will definitely get it! It just means you need to be extra vigilant. Who is at Risk for Hereditary Cancers? Multiple family members (on the same side – could be either paternal or maternal) have had the same type of cancer or related cancers. Did any relative get cancer at a young age (before 50)? Did someone in your family have two or more types of cancer? Has a male relative had breast cancer? A known genetic mutation (eg:BRCA) If you answered YES to any of these, you might have a hereditary cancer risk! But don’t panic—there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself. Genetic Testing: Your Secret Weapon Against Cancer! Imagine if you could predict the weather months in advance and prepare for a storm. That’s what genetic testing does for cancer—it tells you your risk before cancer strikes! I Have a High Risk… What Now? A high genetic risk doesn’t mean cancer is guaranteed. It just means you can get ahead of it with these strategies: Early & Frequent Screening – Catch It Before It Starts! Eat Smart: Load up on fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Move More: 30 minutes of exercise a day can cut cancer risk significantly! Ditch Smoking & Limit Alcohol: These are major cancer risk factors. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity increases cancer risk—stay in shape! Talking About Cancer: Breaking the Silence in Indian Families In many Indian households, cancer is a taboo topic. Families avoid discussing genetic risks because of marriage prospects, fear, or stigma. But staying silent can be dangerous. In many Indian households, cancer is a taboo topic. Families avoid discussing genetic risks because of marriage prospects, fear, or stigma. But staying silent can be dangerous. By sharing your family’s cancer history, you can protect your loved ones! Know your family history. Consider genetic testing if you’re at risk. Take action with screening, lifestyle changes, or medical options. Start a conversation—help others in your family! Cancer doesn’t have to be a surprise. With the right information, you can stay ahead and live a long, healthy life!