Half of Parents Unaware of Cancer Symptoms in Children, New Study Finds

A new study has revealed that almost half of all parents are unaware of the symptoms of cancer in children. Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death in children over the age of one and a major cause of disability. The most common types of children's cancers include acute leukemia, as well as brain and spinal cord cancers. However, the study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that around 68% of British adults are not confident in identifying the tell-tale signs and symptoms. In addition, only 47% of parents were able to list the common signs.

Low Awareness and Diagnosis Challenges

The study, which surveyed 1,000 adults, included questions about confidence in recognizing cancer signs and symptoms, as well as when to seek medical advice. On average, the respondents were only able to identify 11 out of 42 classic signs and symptoms. The least recognized symptoms were early or late puberty, developmental delay in infants, and slow growth. Shockingly, 43% of respondents said they would wait three months or not seek medical advice at all for persistent or recurrent sore throat, hoarse voice, or slow recovery after bone or joint injury.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

According to study co-author Dr. Shaarna Shanmugavadivelia from Nottingham University's School of Medicine, symptoms of cancer in children often mimic other common ailments. Since screening tests are not currently available, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. She emphasized that although the number of childhood cancer cases may be small compared to adult cancers, the cumulative risk from birth to early adulthood is comparable to that of other childhood illnesses.

Communication and Awareness

Dr. Shanmugavadivelia also highlighted the importance of raising awareness about childhood cancers. She stated that the perceived rarity of cancer in children is a barrier to early diagnosis. Many parents associate common symptoms with common childhood ailments, but not cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to communicate the risks and symptoms of childhood cancer to the public in order to ensure early detection and treatment.

Childhood cancer is a serious health issue that demands increased awareness and education. By understanding the signs and symptoms, parents can play a crucial role in the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer in their children.