Childhood cancer is rare, and most of these signs turn out to be something else. But when a child does have cancer, noticing early can be the difference between a simple treatment and a long, hard one.
1. A white glow in the eye
In photos taken with flash, a healthy eye shows red. A white or yellow reflection, a new squint, or an eye that looks a different colour can be a sign of retinoblastoma. It is most common under the age of four and very curable when found early.
2. A lump or swelling that doesn’t go away
A lump in the tummy, neck, armpit or a limb that grows, feels hard or is not painful should be checked. A swollen tummy on one side can be a sign of Wilms tumour or neuroblastoma.
3. Fever, pale skin and tiredness that don’t improve
Fevers without a clear cause, unusual paleness, bruising easily or bleeding gums can be signs of leukaemia, the most common childhood cancer.
4. Bone or joint pain that wakes them at night
Pain that keeps a child awake, a limp, or swelling around a bone, especially in older children and teenagers, can be an early sign of a bone tumour.
5. Headaches with morning vomiting
Headaches that are worse in the morning, with vomiting or changes in balance, walking or vision, need to be checked for a brain tumour.
What to do next
- Write down when the sign started and take photos if you can.
- See your paediatrician and ask whether a scan or blood test is needed.
- If you’re worried or can’t find a specialist nearby, call our parents’ helpline.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your child’s doctor.
