(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has launched its ‘Heroes come in all sizes' campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer.
'Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children, after accidents, in Qatar, said Dana Mansour, a health educator with QCS.
'Leukaemia which is a type of cancer that affects bone marrow and blood is the most common childhood cancer. Brain and central nervous system tumours are the second most common cancers in children, she explained.
According to the QCS official, radiation environmental radiation, radiation during pregnancy, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation and infections are the major reasons for the disease. Some childhood cancers are caused by viral infections.
Early signs and symptoms of cancer among children are unexplained weight loss, headache often with early morning vomiting, increased swelling or persistent pain in bones, joints, back, or legs, lump or mass, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis, or armpits, development of excessive bruising, bleeding, or rash.
'You can reduce the risk of your child affected by cancer by minimising radiation exposure during pregnancy, breastfeeding for six months or longer. Make sure that your child is taking all scheduled vaccines, help them adopt a healthy lifestyle with healthy eating habits and plenty of exercise to keep a healthy weight, protect your child from smoking, create a happy, laughter filled house which will improve their immune systems and keep your children safe during sunny days, advised Mansour.
She also suggested that parents should make sure their children have regular medical check-ups and watch for any unusual signs or symptoms that do not go away.
'Some children have a higher chance of developing a specific type of cancer because of certain gene changes they inherit from a parent. These children may need careful, regular medical check-up that includes special tests to look for early signs of cancer, she added.
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