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September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September shines a spotlight on the childhood cancer, affecting thousands of children and adolescents worldwide. It’s a month dedicated to raising awareness and support for these brave fighters with the slogan of “Give a Hug”
 

What is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, also known as CCAM, aims to generate awareness and support for children suffering from cancer. As per the report of CWC, Worldwide, about 400,000 children and adolescents develop cancer each year, only half of whom are diagnosed. Every day more than 1000+ children are diagnosed with cancer worldwide.

A simple hug is a happiness

⦿ A hug speaks volumes without words. It’s care, understanding, and instant warmth and love. Hugs are for everyone – friends, family, even pets. They can be quick and gentle or long and comforting.
⦿ Hugs can be a source of comfort, happiness, and a sense of connection between people.
⦿ A hug offers solace during tough times, providing the strength to carry on when you feel overwhelmed.
⦿ Every hug, whether big or small, gentle or strong, happy or sad, emanates from the heart. In a hug, you’ll find that you’re never alone; it’s a connection felt deeply.

Hepatoblastoma in children

Childhood Liver Cancer: Hepatoblastoma is a rare form of liver cancer primarily affecting children.

Age Group

It typically occurs in kids under 3 years old, with the highest incidence in infants. However, it can be seen in adolescents too.

Causes

The exact cause of hepatoblastoma remains unclear, with no established risk factors. Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, which is a condition caused by 'FAP' gene mutation & causing multiple polyps in the large intestine is considered a risk factor for hepatoblastoma.

Symptoms

Signs include an enlarged liver, abdominal mass, pain, weight loss, and jaundice.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a CT scan and liver tissue biopsies. Serum AFP (Alfa Feto Protein), which is a tumour marker, the level gets highly elevated in hepatoblastoma.

Treatment

Surgical tumour removal, sometimes liver transplant, and chemotherapy are standard treatments. The sequence of treatment will vary as per the clinician's judgement.

Carcinoma Rectum in children

Childhood Rectal Cancer: Carcinoma of the rectum in children is an exceptionally rare form of cancer. However, it requires mention as it is very aggressive.

Age Group

It typically occurs in older children and adolescents.

Causes

Genetic mutations are the usual cause of cancer occurring in such young patients. FAP gene mutation is the most common of all.

Symptoms

Common signs include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves colonoscopy and biopsy.

Staging

Staging is crucial to determine the cancer's extent and to plan appropriate treatment. CT Scan of the chest and abdomen along with CEA level helps in staging.

Treatment

Treatment often includes surgery to remove the tumour, along with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The sequence of treatment depends upon the stage of the tumour.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 2023
September shines a spotlight on the childhood cancer, affecting thousands of children and adolescents worldwide. It’s a month dedicated to raising awareness and support for these brave fighters with the slogan of “Give a Hug”

What is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, also known as CCAM, aims to generate awareness and support for children suffering from cancer. As per the report of CWC, Worldwide, about 400,000 children and adolescents develop cancer each year, only half of whom are diagnosed. In 2023 Every day more than 1000 children are diagnosed with cancer worldwide.

A simple hug is a happiness

⦿ A hug speaks volumes without words. It’s care, understanding, and instant warmth and love. Hugs are for everyone – friends, family, even pets. They can be quick and gentle or long and comforting.
⦿ Hugs can be a source of comfort, happiness, and a sense of connection between people.
⦿ A hug offers solace during tough times, providing the strength to carry on when you feel overwhelmed.
⦿ Every hug, whether big or small, gentle or strong, happy or sad, emanates from the heart. In a hug, you’ll find that you’re never alone; it’s a connection felt deeply.

Hepatoblastoma in children

Childhood Liver Cancer: Hepatoblastoma is a rare form of liver cancer primarily affecting children.

Age Group

It typically occurs in kids under 3 years old, with the highest incidence in infants. However, it can be seen in adolescents too.

Causes

The exact cause of hepatoblastoma remains unclear, with no established risk factors. Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, which is a condition caused by 'FAP' gene mutation & causing multiple polyps in the large intestine is considered a risk factor for hepatoblastoma.

Symptoms

Signs include an enlarged liver, abdominal mass, pain, weight loss, and jaundice.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a CT scan and liver tissue biopsies. Serum AFP (Alfa Feto Protein), which is a tumour marker, the level gets highly elevated in hepatoblastoma.

Treatment

Surgical tumour removal, sometimes liver transplant, and chemotherapy are standard treatments. The sequence of treatment will vary as per the clinician's judgement.

Carcinoma Rectum in children

Childhood Rectal Cancer: Carcinoma of the rectum in children is an exceptionally rare form of cancer. However, it requires mention as it is very aggressive.

Age Group

It typically occurs in older children and adolescents.

Causes

Genetic mutations are the usual cause of cancer occurring in such young patients. FAP gene mutation is the most common of all.

Symptoms

Common signs include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves colonoscopy and biopsy.

Staging

Staging is crucial to determine the cancer's extent and to plan appropriate treatment. CT Scan of the chest and abdomen along with CEA level helps in staging.

Treatment

Treatment often includes surgery to remove the tumour, along with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The sequence of treatment depends upon the stage of the tumour.

Frequently Asked Questions.

It happens every September across the world. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) started in 1990, and 2023 marks its 33rd anniversary. 
September 2023 is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
The official colours of World Cancer Day are blue and orange.
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Dr. Harsh J Shah

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