Is the Incidence of Childhood Cancer High?

The incidence of childhood cancer is still very high, and the mortality rate is also relatively high. According to the survey of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology, one child dies of cancer every three minutes. Malignant tumors have become the second leading cause of death among children, second only to accidental trauma. In China, the incidence of childhood tumors has been increasing at a rate of 2.8% per year in the past decade, with 30,000 to 40,000 new cases of malignant tumors in children each year.

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes: If a child's lymph nodes remain swollen for a long time, there are many fused lymph nodes on the neck, or the lymph nodes increase rapidly in a short period of time, it is necessary to be alert to the possibility of tumors. Some people may mistakenly believe that it is just a "swelling" and apply traditional Chinese medicine to treat it, which may accelerate the spread of tumor cells throughout the body.

2. Painless Lump: If a lump, especially a painless one, is found on a child's neck, armpit, groin, abdomen, or lower back, it is necessary to investigate the cause. It is recommended that parents palpate their child's body after they fall asleep and closely observe any bumps or hard masses.

3. Transient Symptoms: Symptoms such as transient seizures, blackouts, sudden falls, nausea, and vomiting may indicate the need for neurological examination to screen for brain tumors such as gliomas.

4. Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Common colds and pneumonia usually cause fever that resolves within a few days. However, if a child has a fever of unknown origin that persists for more than a week and does not respond to antiviral or antibiotic treatment, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.