This article is the part of a monthly series of stories focused on cancer issues. Denver7 is proud to partner with the American Cancer Society,Cancer Support Community,Colorado Cancer Coalitionand Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HealthONEto bring you these stories, tips and resources.
DENVER — An estimated 11,060 children in the US under of the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2019. Because of advancements in treatment, more than 80% of children with cancer survive 5 years or more. Survival rates vary depending on the type of cancer and other factors.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 15 in the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 389 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer by age 15, and 1 in 264 by age 20
Symptoms
Some cancers in children can be found early, but they can also be hard to recognize because early symptoms are often similar to much more common illnesses or injuries. It is important to see a doctor if your child has unusual symptoms or signs that do not go away, such as:
- Unexplained paleness and loss of energy
- An unusual lump or swelling
- An ongoing pain in one part of the body
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Limping
- Frequent headaches, often with vomiting
- Unexplained illness that doesn’t go away
- Sudden eye or vision changes
- Sudden unexplained weight loss
Resources
- Partnership with the Children’s Oncology Group allow physicians to participate in cancer clinical trials.
- Rocky Mountain Cancer Assistance is a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to low-income cancer patients (and their families) in Colorado for household expenses, such as rent, mortgage payments, car payments, car insurance and health insurance.
- The Colorado Cancer Coalition seeks to reduce the risk, incidence and mortality associated with cancer in Colorado. The organization is involved with many events and support groups for families and children with cancer across the state.
- The Colorado Kids Cancer Association is a group of organizations that provide support for children with cancer and their families. Services include connecting families with support groups, assisting with housing solutions for out-of-state patients and helping parents find camps for kids with cancer.
- The American Cancer Society is a great resource for information, statistics and facts about childhood cancers.
- The American Brain Tumor Association funds brain tumor research and provides information and education about all types of brain tumors that can develop in children.
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society advocates public policy decisions that impact patients with leukemia, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and myeloma. The organization also offers support groups, peer-to-peer support, information specialists and a patient community for children and adults with these diseases.
For more information on childhood cancer, contact the American Cancer Society 24/7 at 1-800-227-2345 or visit https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-in-children.html
