Childhood is this dynamic and active phase of life that is filled with growth, discovery, and tons of energy that appears to know no bounds. However, when a child gets ill, it is an experience that is frustrating and scary for families, leaving them concerned and powerless.
One of the most devastating and disheartening truths that face families is that symptoms of childhood cancer are usually overlooked or mistaken for symptoms of more common childhood illnesses.
This disastrous delay in receiving a correct diagnosis can instigate feelings of depression and defeat in families, but it is imperative to realize why these misunderstandings occur. It is vital to know why these assumptions are being created, and the significance of how we can optimally facilitate our children’s health and happiness under these adverse conditions.
As parents, we go with our gut when something doesn’t feel “right” with our child. However, the signs of childhood cancer may be subtle, vague, or easily mistaken for common illnesses.
For instance, a headache that won’t go away may be dismissed as stress or dehydration, or exhaustion may be blamed on a hectic school schedule. Such overlaps create delays in determining the actual cause of the symptom.
The Scope of the Problem
In the United States alone, it has been estimated that 15,780 children from birth to 19 years of age are diagnosed with cancer each year (American Childhood Cancer Organization [ACCO], n.d.). Although most childhood cancers are more responsive to early diagnosis, the truth is that the stealth nature of the symptoms typically thwarts early detection.
Childhood cancers are often delayed or missed because symptoms are blamed on more familiar injuries or illnesses. Childhood cancers such as leukemia, brain tumors, and neuroblastoma usually have symptoms that mimic everyday childhood complaints.
A headache may be a brain tumor—or dehydration. Fatigue may be leukemia or a growth spurt. Stomach pain may be lymphoma—or a stomach virus. Consider, for instance, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most prevalent childhood cancer that represents about one-third of all childhood cancers (National Cancer Institute [NCI], 2021).
The initial symptoms are often fatigue, recurrent infections, bruising, and bone pain that coincide with conditions such as anemia, viral infections, or even a playground fall. A study conducted by Brasme et al. (2012) discovered that children presenting with leukemia tend to suffer from delays in diagnosis because their symptoms are nonspecific and are usually attributed to more common conditions.
Likewise, brain tumors, which account for approximately 27% of all cancers in children, may manifest as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, frequently confused with migraines, ear infections, or the flu (NCI, 2021). Wilne et al.’s (2012) paper points out how diagnostic delays are frequent in childhood CNS tumors, with many taking weeks to months to diagnose as a result of the nonspecific nature of symptoms. Delays can significantly affect treatment outcomes.
The other common childhood cancers, namely neuroblastoma (7% of cases) and Wilms tumor (5% of cases), also exhibit misleading symptoms. Neuroblastoma, which most frequently occurs in children younger than five years old, can lead to walking problems, facial changes in the eyes, increased blood pressure, pain, and diarrhea.
Wilms tumor, a kidney cancer with the highest incidence among children aged three to four years, can be evidenced by fever, pain, nausea, appetite loss, and an abdominal mass or lump (NCI, 2021).
The Role of Genetics and Early Screening
Certain children are at risk for a particular cancer because of their genetic makeup. If you’re worried that family history might put your child at higher risk, talk to their pediatrician about your concerns. Their doctor might order imaging studies (like an MRI or X-ray), other tests to check for issues, or even a biopsy if your child has a lump or tumor that’s suspicious. A biopsy would be used to take out some or all of the tumor cells to examine under a microscope, which can be used for diagnosis.
Symptoms Parents Should Never Ignore
The American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) encourages parents to be aware of and watch for unusual signs or chronic symptoms in children. Although these symptoms are not always a sign of cancer, they should never be dismissed, particularly if they do not disappear or get worse over time.
Some of the most important symptoms to look out for are:
- Recurring fever, nausea, or sickness, usually with vomiting
- Tendency to bruise easily
- Abnormal lump or swelling, especially in the neck, abdomen, chest, pelvis, or armpits
- Loss of energy and pale complexion
- Headaches, with or without early morning vomiting
- Chronic pain in a part of the body
- Sudden vision change
- A white background behind the pupil
- Unexplained weight loss
- Limping
If your child shows any of these signs, speaking with their pediatrician is essential. Although these symptoms don’t necessarily point to cancer, early diagnosis can significantly impact results.
What Can Families Do?
If you’re reading this as a parent who’s worried about your child, here’s what you need to know:
- Trust Your Instincts: You know your child better than anyone. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or ask for further testing.
- Look for Patterns: Symptoms that persist, worsen, or recur over time—especially if they don’t respond to treatment—should raise a red flag.
- Advocate for Your Child: Be persistent if you feel your concerns are being dismissed. Ask questions like, “Could this be something more serious?” or “What tests can we do to rule out cancer?”
- Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the common symptoms of childhood cancers, such as unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, or changes in vision or balance.
The Road Ahead
The medical community is working to improve early detection and treatment of pediatric cancer. Scientists are researching biomarkers, advanced imaging, and targeted therapies to find and treat cancers sooner. Advocacy groups are raising awareness among parents and physicians. Your love and diligence make a difference. To all parents who have ever been dismissed, unheard, or overwhelmed: you are your child’s strongest advocate, and your persistence can make all the difference.
Childhood cancer is a life-altering diagnosis, but early detection and advances in treatment can save lives. By raising awareness about the challenges of vague and misleading symptoms, we can empower families to trust their instincts, ask the right questions, and get their children the help they need. You are not alone in this. Together, we can become aware, advocate for better diagnostic methods, and ensure no child’s symptoms are ignored.
Dealing with cancer can be difficult for anyone to deal with, particularly youngsters and children. Here To Serve recognizes the special needs of caregivers and parents and is devoted to offering unrelenting support. Click here to view our extensive resources and meet our staff of committed professionals. You do not have to go through this alone.
References:
- American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO). (n.d.). Diagnosing childhood cancer. Retrieved from https://www.acco.org/diagnosis/
- Brasme, J. F., et al. (2012). Delays in diagnosis of pediatric cancers: a systematic review and comparison with expert testimony in lawsuits. The Lancet Oncology.DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(12)70361-3
- Haimi, M. M., et al. (2009). Delay in diagnosis of children with cancer: A retrospective study of 315 children. Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.
- Dang-Tan, T., & Franco, E. L. (2007). Diagnosis delays in childhood cancer. Cancer.
- Walker, D., et al. (2016). A new clinical guideline from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health with a national awareness campaign accelerates brain tumor diagnosis in UK children. Neuro-Oncology.
- Coven, S., et al. (2018). Delays in diagnosis for children with newly diagnosed central nervous system tumors. Neuro-Oncology Practice.
- Wilne S, Collier J, Kennedy C, Koller K, Grundy R, Walker D. Presentation of childhood CNS tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Oncol. 2007 Aug;8(8):685-95. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(07)70207-3. PMID: 17644483.
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). (2021). Childhood cancers. Source: NCI Website
- Description: A comprehensive resource from the NCI on childhood cancers, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
About the Author: Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H.
With over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology industry and a passion for science education, Sameera Rangwala is a life science educator who actively engages with the cancer community through her informative blog posts and words of encouragement.
All content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.