Madam Bernice Asante, a Senior Staff Nurse and Madam Justina Kyei public also a health nurse all from Tema Polyclinic have advised the general public to as a matter of urgency seek early treatment for their children whenever they are diagnosed with childhood cancers because it is treatable. They urged the general public to ignore what is perceived by many as a ‘curse sickness’
Speaking on Plan B FM’s family, relationship, and lifestyle show dubbed NYANSAPO FIE, hosted by Dr. Michael Asenso on the topic “CHILDHOOD CANCERS”, Madam Bernice Asante Senior Staff Nurse explained that cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body and it’s one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents worldwide; approximately 280,000 children ages 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer each year.
She said many cancers in children can be found early, either by a child’s doctor or by parents or relatives. But cancers in children can be hard to recognize right away because early symptoms are often like those caused by much more common illnesses or injuries. Children often get sick or have bumps or bruises that might mask the early signs of cancer.
She continued that cancer in children is not common, but it’s important to have your child checked by a doctor if they have unusual signs or symptoms that do not go away, such as an unusual lump or swelling, unexplained paleness, and loss of energy, easy bruising or bleeding, an ongoing pain in one area of the body, limping, unexplained fever or illness that doesn’t go away, frequent headaches, often with vomit, sudden eye or vision changes, sudden unexplained weight loss.
Most of these symptoms are much more likely to be caused by something other than cancer, such as an injury or infection, but if your child has any of these symptoms, see a doctor so that the cause can be found and treated if needed, she added.
Madam Justina Kyei public health nurse also said that other symptoms are also possible, depending on the type of cancer. You can find more information on common symptoms for specific types of childhood cancer in types of cancer that develop in children.
She explained that keeping weight in check can be hard, but a way of preventing cancer and lowering the risk of different cancers. Overweight, focus on not gaining any more weight.
She said regular physical activity by children is important to fit in at least 30 minutes of activity every day. More is even better, but any amount is better than none
Healthy eating is pretty simple. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and keep red meat and processed meat to a minimum. It’s also important to cut back on bad fats (saturated and trans fats) and choose healthy fats.
She said the sun can feel great for children but too much exposure to it can lead to skin cancer, including melanoma. And tanning beds can be just as harmful. Skin damage starts early in childhood, so it’s especially important to protect children.
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