INDIANAPOLIS—State health officials are reminding parents to be aware of the risks and symptoms of childhood cancer as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. Although such illnesses are rare, 1 percent of all new cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S occur in children.
“A cancer diagnosis is never easy, but it’s especially difficult when the patient is a child,” said State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H. “As parents, we want to do everything to protect our children from harm. That’s why it’s important to pay close attention to any unusual symptoms and ensure that our children have regular medical checkups.”
Childhood cancers are the second-leading cause of death among children ages 5 to 14, exceeded only by injuries. During 2013, 333 cases of cancer and 51 cancer-related deaths were reported among Indiana residents age 19 and younger.
For most cases of childhood cancer, the cause is unknown. Long-term survival rates for children continue to improve as a result of recent advances in cancer treatment. Childhood cancers can be treated by combinations of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Children should have annual well-child exams during which their health-care provider will ask about any unusual symptoms. Parents should discuss any of the following symptoms with a health-care provider:
- Unusual mass or swelling
- Prolonged, unexplained fever or illness
- Unexplained paleness or loss of energy
- Frequent headaches, especially if accompanied by vomiting
- Sudden tendency to bruise
- Sudden eye or vision changes
- Persistent, localized pain
- Excessive, rapid weight loss
To learn more about childhood cancer in Indiana, visit the Indiana Cancer Facts and Figures 2015 report, a comprehensive report on the burden of cancer in Indiana, at www.indianacancer.org.
Organizations interested in reducing the burden of cancer in Indiana can participate in the Indiana Cancer Consortium (ICC). The ICC is a statewide network of partnerships that develops, implements and evaluates a comprehensive plan that address cancer across the continuum from prevention through palliation. Participation in the ICC is open to all organizations and individuals interested in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, quality of life, data collection and advocacy. To become a member of the ICC or to learn more about cancer prevention and control in Indiana, visit www.indianacancer.org.
Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth.in.gov for important health and safety information, or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1.
Hoosiers who do not have health care coverage or access to a doctor are encouraged to check availability for the new Healthy Indiana Plan—HIP 2.0—by visiting www.HIP.IN.gov or calling 1-877-GET-HIP-9.
