September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer in children and young people is rare – around 1,600 children (up to the age of 15) in the UK are diagnosed with cancer each year. In this blog, written by editor Elissia, we talk more about the types of cancers that affect children. We also explain what support is available for children and parents.
What causes cancer in children?
Unlike some adult cancers, it’s not known what causes childhood cancer. But research is being done to find out more. If you are a parent, you might be worried that something you did, or didn’t do, caused the cancer. But this isn’t the case – you are not to blame for your child’s illness.
Which cancers can affect children?
The most common types of cancer in children are leukaemia, brain tumours and lymphomas.
Other childhood cancers include germ cell tumours, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, osteosarcoma, Retinoblastoma, Wilms' tumour, Ewing sarcoma, liver tumours and rhabdomyosarcoma.
What are the most common symptoms to look out for?
Leukaemia (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and acute lymphocytic leukaemia) – because leukaemia affects the production of blood cells, children may:
Brain tumours – as brain tumours grow, they increase the pressure on the brain. This means children may:
Lymphoma (Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma) – because lymphomas affect the lymphatic system, children may have symptoms such as:
What to do if you notice any of these symptoms in your child
If you are worried about your child, make an appointment to see your GP. It might help to write down any of your child's symptoms so you remember to discuss everything at the appointment. Your child’s symptoms are far more likely to be something else rather than cancer, but it is important to get them checked if you are worried.
Your doctor might refer your child to hospital for tests. The tests will help doctors make a definite diagnosis. Sometimes though, you will be advised to come back again if the problem persists.
Remember, if you still have concerns it is important to take your child back to see your GP.
Getting more information and support
Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) – CCLG have a booklet called ‘Children and young people with cancer: a parent’s guide’, which can be downloaded from our website. The booklet provides information from diagnosis through to treatment and follow-up, and includes a list of other useful organisations and charities. They also have more information on their website.
Macmillan Cancer Support – Our website has detailed information on childhood cancers. We also have booklets that can be downloaded or ordered from be.macmillan
There is a group on our Online community called Parents of children with cancer. The group is to provide support to parents who have children with cancer.
CLIC Sargent – CLIC Sargent provides clinical, practical, and emotional support to children and young people cope with cancer. They have a magazine for 7 to 13-year-olds which includes fun things to do in hospital or at home, as well as stories from children in similar situations. CLIC Sargent also produces storybooks for parents to read to children to help them understand what cancer is and the treatments involved.
Children with cancer UK – Children with cancer UK can offer support to families of children with cancer. They have information about different childhood cancers on their website.
To see what else Macmillan's cancer information team has been blogging about, please visit our blog home page! You can subscribe to receive our blogs by email or RSS too.
We're with you every step of the way
The Macmillan team is here to help. Our cancer support specialists can answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen if you need a chat. Call us free on 0808 808 00 00.
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