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Childhood Cancer: The Second Leading Cause of Death Among ChildrenBY: Ritu Choudhary | Category: Childhood Cancer | Submitted: 2011-02-20 11:06:29
The childhood cancers are rare and their causes are still poorly known but they exist. They represent 2% of all cancers and affect about 1,500 to 2,000 children and adolescents each year. Half of childhood cancer occurring before age 5 years, affecting both neonates and infants. Thus, the number of childhood cancers has increased by 1% per year since the 70's and those of adolescents of 1.5% per year over the same period. Cancers of the child are not the same as those observed in adults. Brain tumors and leukemia are the commonest cancers in children. However, embryonic tumors are mainly observed in young children. Cure rate of childhood cancers has increased significantly in 20 years, still these diseases remain the second leading cause of death among children over one year in industrialized countries. The most common childhood cancers: Leukemia is third childhood cancers in Europe, America and Asia. The predominant type is acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which affects cells in the bone marrow produces lymphocytes. Tumors of the central nervous system affect the brain and spinal cord is the second form of cancer most common in developed countries. They are less diagnosed in developing countries lack advanced technology. Lymphomas, tumors of the lymph nodes represent the third type of cancer most common in children and developed countries. Neuroblastoma is a malignant solid tumors developed nervous system friendly. This form of cancer occurs more in infants and very young children in developed countries. In children, type of kidney cancer is the most frequently Wilms' tumor (95%). It mainly affects children under 5 years. Soft tissue sarcomas most common is called rhabdomyosarcoma, malignant tumor occurs in two thirds of cases before the age of 10. Causes Currently, few risk factors are identified. The causes of childhood cancers remain largely unfamiliar: There are some genetic causes constitutional but which represent less than 1% of cases of childhood cancers. Some environmental risk factors have been advanced. The only linkage is exposure to ionizing radiation on the child but also pregnant women. Other factors include exposure to chemicals, pesticides, infections, parental smoking. Diagnosis The delay between first symptoms and diagnosis of cancer varies by type of cancer and the organ of origin. It may be a few days to several months. The diagnosis of leukemia is determined by examination of blood cells and bone marrow removed by suction. In case of solid tumor, the diagnosis often requires biopsy. The deadline for obtaining the diagnosis by the laboratory of cytology (for leukemia) or by the laboratory of pathology (for solid tumors) is 1 to 7 days. This period may be longer in rare or difficult. It may include the following tests: imaging (radiography, ultrasound, CT), aspiration (lymph node, bone marrow, ascites, spinal tap) Therapeutic Trials Therapeutic trials of the past two decades have established the best treatment strategies in childhood cancer and the adolescent. They also help in assessing the validity of new treatments. About 70% of childhood cancers are the subject of studies and therapeutic tests: The phase 1 trials aim to test a new drug and to determine the optimal dosage of prescription as tolerated. The Phase 2 trials evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new therapeutic. The Phase 3 trials compare two or more therapeutic strategies to know the most effective and least toxic. These tests are intended for patients at initial diagnosis as it is known treatments. Conclusion In France, medical advances are saving nearly three out of four children. Oncologists and pediatricians intend to further improve this figure and reduce the side effects of treatments that are heavy. But beyond these therapeutic advances, further efforts are needed to improve the quality of life of children during and after treatment. The presence of parents during hospitalization or counseling of the child but also family members is often lacking. Complementary care for the child patient and his entourage (Care of pain, nutrition, psychological support) should be developed and proposed for distance but also the treatment. Article Source: http://www.cancer-surgery.com/ About Author / Additional Info: Comments on this article: (0 comments so far)
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