Cancer is an ugly word, but this is arguably especially true when speaking about childhood cancer. Fortunately, according to the National Cancer Institute, cancer in those under the age of 19 is rare. However, the fact is that it is the reality for many American children with more than 15,000 diagnosed cases every year. This number is likely higher since not all those with childhood cancers have proper healthcare.
Certain cancers are much more common in children. As with a diagnosis in adults, it is crucial that it be found early and treatment is started right away. The issue is that it can often be overlooked since it is not very common.
Continue reading to learn about the most common cancers diagnosed in children.
1. Leukemia
Leukemia, cancer of the blood cells, which affects the blood and bone marrow, is without a doubt the most common childhood cancer. Approximately thirty percent of cancer diagnoses in children are leukemia diagnoses. The main issue with leukemia is that it is extremely difficult to contain since it affects the blood cells that travel around the body.
There are two types of leukemia that are the most common: acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia. Unfortunately, both develop and worsen at a fast rate. Things to look out for in children are complaints of joint pain, unexplained weakness, and bleeding for no reason.