Cancer can be hard to detect in children. Children with cancer can experience a variety of signs or symptoms that are explained below.
Like adults, large numbers of children are diagnosed with cancer, and that is concerning. Cancer can be more disturbing when the patient is quite young. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to be aware of cancer symptoms, seek timely intervention, and eat right. Read on to find out more about this and to take maximum care of your child.
Childhood cancer can cause panic in both children and their parents. Several types of cancer such as leukemia, lymphoma, brain and spinal cord tumors, osteosarcoma, neuroblastoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, and kidney tumors are commonly seen in children. Therefore, it is critical that parents avoid ignoring symptoms and seek prompt diagnosis and treatment. To do so, there must be considerable awareness of the signs and symptoms.
SYMPTOMS
These are symptoms that parents should not take lightly: A person with cancer may have symptoms such as fever, progressive decrease in hemoglobin, petechial rashes, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sudden bruising, bleeding, vision changes and fatigue. Parents should consult the doctor without delay so that the child receives treatment without wasting any more time.
The doctor will make an appropriate diagnosis based on the symptoms. She will ask the child about her medical history or if anyone in the family has cancer. The expert will decide on a suitable line of treatment only after the diagnosis is confirmed.
TREATMENT
After confirming the diagnosis, the child will be asked to opt for surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. In addition to treatment, parents should ensure that children adhere to certain lifestyle modifications such as eating a well-balanced diet, taking light exercise as per the doctor’s advice, and staying healthy.
DIET AND NUTRITION
Children undergoing cancer treatment tend to experience symptoms such as weight loss and poor appetite. It will be imperative that the child include all the essential vitamins and minerals in the diet. Parents should try to add more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to the child’s diet. Try to avoid spicy, oily, canned, processed and junk food. Drink enough water to stay hydrated and remove toxins from the body. Take nutritional advice if necessary. It is better to ask the expert what to eat and eliminate from the diet. Proper nutrition will ensure the growth and development of children. The right kind of nutrition will help a child build immunity, fight cancer, and keep allergies and infections at bay. Remember to make sure that the child follows the guidelines given by the expert and recovers from cancer.
- Energy: Determining individualized energy needs is vital to help people maintain energy balance and achieve a healthy weight; it is also vital for preventing unintentional weight gain or loss associated with cancer and cancer treatment.
- Carbohydrate: Primary fuel, no sugar, whole grains, fiber
- Protein: An individual’s need for protein increases during times of illness and stress. The body requires additional protein to repair and rebuild tissues affected by cancer treatments and to maintain a healthy immune system.
- Fats: Fats are important. Choose MUFA, PUFA over saturated and trans fats. Use MCTs. VITAMINS AND MINERALS: If people experience difficulty eating and treatment-related side effects, a standard multivitamin and mineral supplement that provides no more than 100% of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) is considered safe.
- Antioxidants: Vitamin A, C and E, Selenium, Zinc
- Phytochemicals:Carotenoids, Lycopene, Resveratrol, Phytosterols
(Contributions from Fauziya Ansari, dietitian, Apollo Spectra Mumbai)
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