Blood cancer which is also known as leukemia, which primarily involves the blood and the bone marrow, resulting in uncontrolled proliferation of WBCs. This hampers the making of healthy blood cells, causing symptoms like fever, fatigue, easy bruising, frequent infections and swollen lymph nodes. An early diagnosis is key to treatment success and can be done through tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and bone marrow test.

What Causes Childhood Leukemia?

A definite cause of childhood leukemia remains unidentified. Inherited genetic mutations may play a role, but the vast majority of cases happen for no particular reason. There are several types of childhood leukemia, including:

Common type of ALL Acute Developing Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: Most common variety, around 78% of cases.

  • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Less prevalent, but more aggressive.
  • Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML): rare in children.
  • Other Rare Types: Like Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML)

Treatment and Prognosis

The type of leukemia determines the treatment, which usually involves chemotherapy followed by oral medication and regular check-ups. Medical advances have substantially improved survival rates, with nearly 85% of children attaining long-term remission and leading healthy lives.

Busting Common Myths About Childhood Leukemia

Here are misconceptions about leukemia that could create unnecessary fear and confusion. Let’s clarify some key facts:

“Environmental factors cause leukemia.”

Although high radiation exposure can increase risk, there’s no direct environmental cause in most cases.

“Leukemia is always fatal.”

With treatment today, the survival rate has shot up and many kids make full recoveries.

“Vaccines, can cause  leukemia.”

No scientific link exists between vaccines and leukemia. Vaccines are essential for the protection of public health.

“Symptoms are never subtle.”

Early symptoms, like fatigue and infections, can mimic other common childhood illnesses, making it hard to identify early on.

“There’s no difference in what kind of leukemia you have.”

Various forms respond to various treatments and have different prognoses.

“Leukemia is caused by stress or bad parenting.”

Leukemia is not correlated with parenting or emotional factors.

“Leukemia is contagious.”

It is triggered by genetic mutations and is not contagious.

“Treatment is always very painful and disabling.”

Although there are possible side effects, medical care aids in managing them, and many kids return to health.

Conclusion

Leukemia is a serious condition in young children, but with early detection and proper treatment, the majority of affected children recover to lead normal lives. Indeed, because of advancements in medical science, leukemia is more treatable than it has ever been. It shows that if you are aware and take your child to the doctor on time, then it becomes easier for them to recover.

Dr. Harsha Prasada L
MD, DNB, DCH, MRCPCH, CCT
Consultant Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist
KMC Hospital, Ambedkar Circle, Mangalore