Understanding Risk Factors for Childhood Cancer
From the moment a baby comes into the world, everything they do seems magical. How can their feet be so tiny? How are they born with dimples so big that they can make a stranger visibly smile behind their face covering? Each day in a child’s life brings visible growth and change. Now more than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how adaptable children can be to changing circumstances.
Children do not understand what is going on with their bodies until they are taught about what is normal and what is abnormal. Now that many schools are online and kids are staying at home, many parents are in the position of being an educator. This makes it even more important for families to have the resources they need to look out for the health of themselves and their loved ones.
One of the more heartbreaking topics critical to discuss is childhood cancer awareness. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which means raising awareness for not any one type of cancer, but the many forms of cancer that can afflict children.
In the United States, the likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20 is 1 in 285 – that is, less than .4%. Although this is not extremely common, childhood cancer is the number two cause of childhood mortality in the developed world after accidents. The cure rate for pediatric cancer is 84% and improving, however cancer survivors face lifelong health challenges. About two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors live with chronic illness. More research needs to be done to cure these cancers, but early detection almost always leads to the best outcomes.
What causes cancer in children?
10% of childhood cancers have a genetic cause. Many times these genetic changes occur randomly without a family history with no way to anticipate the cancer. When this happens, a doctor’s first priority is to treat the cancer as quickly as possible. For those with a personal or family history of cancer, talking to a genetic counselor can help determine the risk that someone has of having a cancer-associated gene, and also selecting the most targeted cancer treatments. This is especially important for people who have two or more relatives that were diagnosed with cancer at an early age. Many cancer-associated genes can be detected with genetic testing which is largely affordable for people who have qualifying risk factors.
What are the types of cancers that children can get?
Childhood cancers come in many forms and there is not one singular symptom that determines risk. Depending on the age of the child the likelihood of certain cancer types change. For those who get cancer under the age of 20, the most common forms present as follows:
Complaints of headaches, bruises, or fatigue can be normal and no reason for concern. But if a child is unusually fussy, complains of frequent headaches, nausea, or seems to be fatigued with no obvious cause, it is important to talk with a physician about the symptoms to find the possible cause. Other signs that warrant a doctor visit include any lumps or swellings without injury, paleness, abnormal bruising, fevers, weight loss, or vision changes.
If I’ve never had cancer, how is it possible my child has a genetic form of cancer?
Genetics can be complex and depending on the genes responsible for the cancer, the genetic status of the parents may be different from the child. Oftentimes, the cancer causing gene is a new change in the child’s genetic code. Additionally, cancer syndromes caused by irregular changes in genes may cause cancers for different family members at different ages. It is also possible that parents are carriers for the irregular gene and the child inherited the gene by chance. Risk varies family to family so it is important for families to discuss their concerns with their healthcare providers. Early screening allows time for preventative measures to be taken and for other family members to be evaluated for their individual risk.
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As September ends, childhood cancer does not. Remaining proactive and knowing the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer can empower family, friends, and teachers to advocate for the health of children. Knowledge and awareness are key because not every child will be able to share what they are feeling. If they are able, children should be encouraged to talk about their health and taught to share when they are not feeling like their usual self. Giving children a safe space to be heard can be crucial to early detection.
With the lasting changes from COVID-19, in person doctor visits may be saved for when testing or bloodwork needs to be conducted. Now more than ever, telehealth is being used to provide care to patients from the comfort of their home, sometimes with as little as a smartphone.
Clover Genetics offers telehealth genetic counseling appointments for individuals concerned with their genetic risk factors. Discussing risk factors with a genetic counselor does not mean you have to undergo genetic testing. If genetic testing is recommended Clover Genetics can coordinate testing for patients through a licensed physician.
Disclaimers
Clover Genetics does not provide medical advice. No information on this website or content received via voice or through written or digital material, should be used or intended for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided through genetic counseling services should not be taken as a reason to disregard any other medical diagnosis or medical advice from a physician.
Clover Genetics currently provides services for patients living in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, New York, Maine, Texas, Oregon, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Alaska, and Wisconsin.
Sources:
Acco, and Acco. “Cancer in Children.” ACCO, 1 July 2015, www.acco.org/blog/cancer-in-children/
“Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.” Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/get-involved/other-ways/childhood-cancer-awareness-month.html
Fragkandrea, Ioanna, et al. “Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Cancer: A Guide for Early Recognition.” American Family Physician, 1 Aug. 2013, www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0801/p185.html
“Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk.” Edited by Cancer Net Editorial Borad, Cancer.Net, 19 Feb. 2020, www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/cancer-basics/genetics/genetic-testing-cancer-risk
“US Childhood Cancer Statistics.” ACCO, 5 Apr. 2019, www.acco.org/us-childhood-cancer-statistics/