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It may seem like one's foundation has been moved when that child is diagnosed with cancer. But among the numerous cancers children can have, the most prevalent are leukemia. Although the name "leukemia" is daunting, the advancement of medicine today brings hope into the equation and a higher survival rate into the table for the children.
Leukemia is a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow, which is the soft tissue within bones. This is where blood cells are made. In leukemia, the bone marrow begins producing abnormal white blood cells. These grow rapidly but do not work well. Rather than assisting the body in fighting infections, they start pushing out healthy cells.
Since the body depends on equalized production of blood cells, leukemia impacts a number of body processes. Leukemia can make it hard for children with leukemia to fight infection, cause bleeding or bruising easily, and lead to fatigue or weakness from a lack of healthy red blood cells.
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Leukemia is the most common form of cancer found in children and accounts for about 30% of all cancers in children. It may occur at any age, although it is most commonly diagnosed between 2 and 10 years of age. Boys are also slightly more likely than girls.
Thanks to improved treatment protocols, the survival rate for childhood leukemia has increased significantly over the past few decades. The most common form of leukemia in children, known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), now has a survival rate of over 85% when diagnosed early and treated appropriately.
Read Also: Different Types Of Blood Cancer And Its Treatment
There are several types of leukemia, but the most common two in children are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Other less common types include chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). These forms are rare in children but can still occur and require specialized care.
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Symptoms of leukemia resemble ordinary childhood illnesses. This is because it is difficult for the parents to immediately identify that something is wrong. But if the symptoms are recurring, or several signs together manifest at the same time, then it could be a red flag.
Parents should pay attention if these symptoms continue for more than a few days or seem to worsen. Early medical attention can make a big difference.
Once a doctor suspects leukemia, the initial step is typically a complete blood count (CBC) to ensure the white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts are within normal levels. If the counts are not normal, additional testing is required.
A bone marrow biopsy is a helpful test used to confirm leukemia. Under this test, a small amount of bone marrow is removed—usually from the hip bone—and looked at under a microscope for leukemia cells.
Sometimes, a spinal tap or lumbar puncture is done to check whether the leukemia has spread into the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The doctors would also order imaging tests and genetic studies in order to determine the exact type of leukemia and devise some targeted treatment.
Though the process of diagnosis is highly emotionally taxing for families, it is essential in order to choose the most effective treatment strategy.
Treatment of childhood leukemia varies based on a number of considerations, such as the type of leukemia, age, general health, and stage of disease. Treatment for most children involves a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care.
Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for both ALL and AML. It involves strong drugs that kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells. The treatment is usually given in cycles over many months and can be administered through injections, IV, or pills.
Some children may receive radiation therapy, especially if the leukemia has spread to the brain or spinal cord. However, this is less common in pediatric cases.
Targeted therapy is a newer method, utilizing drugs to attack specific characteristics of leukemia cells without killing normal cells to any significant degree. For the majority of children who don't readily respond to current treatments or relapse, they are encouraged to have a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Healthy stem cells are in this case taken from a donor and given to support the regeneration of the normal bone marrow.
Immunotherapy, which enhances the body's own defense mechanism against cancer, also is becoming a treatment choice in some instances.
One of the most promising things about childhood leukemia is that the survival rate has greatly increased. In children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the long-term cure rate is more than 85% because of early detection and better treatments.
Patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia enjoy a little lower survival rate of between 60% and 70%. However, most children still respond well to therapy when treatment occurs early and is implemented in a well-organized protocol.
It is worth noting that survival rates are overall statistics and do not necessarily reflect individual cases. Such factors as the type of leukemia, the level of response to treatment, and any pre-existing health conditions all bear on a child's prognosis.
Life during treatment for leukemia is not easy. Chemotherapy has side effects like losing their hair, feeling sick, tiredness, and a higher risk of infection. Children spend extensive periods of time in hospital or at home recovering. They can miss school, social events, and milestones.
Parents too have a big role to play in assisting their child through treatment. A positive attitude, sticking to routines as best one can, and keeping close with physicians can all help smooth the way.
After treatment, children are closely monitored. Follow-up in a few months or so consists of blood examinations and physical checks to be sure that the leukemia has not come back. This may be done over several years.
Late effects of treatment may be experienced by some children, such as learning issues, growth delay, or hormonal imbalance. These are under close observation by the medical team, and additional care is provided if needed.
Awareness of leukemia in children is important. Early detection of symptoms can lead to faster diagnosis and better treatment. Educating teachers, family caregivers, and extended family members on signs to notice and how to assist the child and family is also necessary.
Taking part in Childhood Cancer Awareness Month through story sharing, awareness ribbons, or contributing to pediatric cancer foundations is simple yet effective ways to raise awareness and donations for research.
Pediatric leukemia is a serious disease, but it is never hopeless. With today's medicine, most children still survive and live healthily after developing leukemia. Early diagnosis, treatment tailored to their needs, and caring families can be the difference.
As a parent, staying educated, being engaged in the care of your child, and relying on your network of support can assist you in getting through this challenging time. Kids are very resilient—and with the proper treatment and love, they can beat even the most challenging obstacles.
