Recognising Childhood Cancers: Signs, Symptoms & Key Facts Parents Should Know

Dr. Sara Watkin, Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist at Optimal Healthcare Ltd

Each year, across the world, thousands of families face the unimaginable: a diagnosis of childhood cancer. While rare compared to adult cancers, childhood cancer remains one of the leading causes of disease-related death in children under 15. In the UK, approximately 1 in 500 children will be diagnosed with cancer before their 15th birthday, with around 1,900 new cases annually. In the US, around 10,500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, recognised globally, and an important time to spread awareness about early detection and the symptoms parents should be alert to.

Whilst any mention of cancer can feel alarming, I also want to put this in context for the Cayman Islands. If the UK experiences 1,900 new cases per annum based on its population of 67 million, then we could expect around 2 to 3 new cases of childhood cancer per year in the Cayman Islands based on the UK’s incidence rate. It’s important to realise that genetic factors and environmental factors can influence the incidence and so we can’t assume the rates to be the same, but they are unlikely to be markedly different. So, my advice is for everyone to be aware and vigilant, not constantly worried.

Common Childhood Cancers and Their Symptoms

Leukaemia

Leukaemia accounts for about 30% of all childhood cancers, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) being the most common.

• Symptoms: Persistent fatigue, pale skin, easy bruising, frequent infections, bone or joint pain, swollen lymph nodes.
• More Information: https://bloodcancer.org.uk/understanding-blood-cancer/leukaemia/childhood-leukaemia/

Brain and Spinal Cord Tumours

These cancers represent about 26% of childhood cancer diagnoses.

• Symptoms: Persistent headaches, early morning headaches, nausea or vomiting, balance problems, vision changes, seizures.
• More Information: https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/childhood-cancer-info/cancer-types/brain-spinal-tumours/

Neuroblastoma

This is the most common solid tumour outside the brain in children under 5, affecting about 6% of childhood cancer patients.

• Symptoms: Abdominal swelling, weight loss, bone pain, difficulty walking.
• More Information: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/neuroblastoma.html

Wilms’ Tumour

Affecting the kidneys, Wilms’ tumour is seen in about 5% of childhood cancers, primarily in children aged 3 to 4.

• Symptoms: Swelling or lump in the abdomen, blood in urine, fever, loss of appetite.
• More Information: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wilms-tumor/symptoms-causes/syc-20352655

Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)

Lymphomas, cancers of the immune system, make up roughly 8% of childhood cancers.

• Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes (often painless), unexplained weight loss, night sweats, persistent cough.
• More Information on Hodgkin Lymphoma: https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/hodgkin-lymphoma
• More Information on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/non-hodgkin-lymphoma

Bone Cancers (Osteosarcoma and Ewing Sarcoma)

These cancers primarily affect older children and teens, making up about 3% of childhood cancers.

• Symptoms: Bone pain, swelling or tenderness, unexplained fractures.
• More Information: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/bone-childhood/what-is-childhood-bone-cancer

Retinoblastoma

This rare cancer affects the eyes of children under 5, accounting for about 2-3% of childhood cancers.

• Symptoms: A white glow in the pupil, eyes looking in different directions, redness or swelling in the eye.
• More Information: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-children/retinoblastoma-children/

Why Early Detection Matters

Awareness of these symptoms and timely intervention are critical. Childhood cancers often progress quickly, but they also tend to respond well to treatment, especially when caught early. Many childhood cancers have a high survival rate, with the overall 5-year survival rate in developed countries being around 85%. However, survival rates vary widely depending on cancer type and stage at diagnosis.

Across my 8 years of experience as a Cayman Paediatrician, I have diagnosed a number of types of childhood cancers. I wish to reinforce that that the likelihood for any single child is small, but across our population, they are going to appear. I am passionate about early detection, because timely intervention makes such a difference. If any of the symptoms described give you cause for concern about your child, please do get in touch with your paediatrician.

You can contact myself at Optimal Healthcare Ltd by emailing sara@optimal.ky or by visiting Dr Sara Watkin, Consultant Paediatrician Cayman

Supporting Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, symbolised by the gold ribbon, a reminder to support ongoing research and offer solidarity to affected families. Highlighting the need for earlier detection, improving care & treatment, and providing more support care for families navigating childhood cancer is an ongoing challenge.

The Cayman Islands Cancer Society is out champion in that regard, and I encourage those that feel able, to support them either by donating or volunteering. https://www.cics.ky/