Children participating in the campaign “Heroes Come In All Sizes” organised by QCS to raise awareness about childhood cancer.
Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has launched “Heroes Come In All Sizes” campaign, which aims to raise awareness about childhood cancer.
The event, which falls in every September was sponsored by Doha Bank, in collaboration with Mall of Qatar, zaater w zait, Lecid Bar Ber .
Dana Mansour, Health Educator, said, “Different types of cancers that develops in children between birth and 14 years in Qatar. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children (after accidents). Leukemias, which is cancer of the bone marrow and blood, are the most common childhood cancers. Brain and central nervous system tumours are the second most common cancers in children.”
Radiation, environmental radiation, radiation during pregnancy, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and infections are risk factors and some of childhood cancers are caused by some viral infections. In addition to this, active or passive smoking during pregnancy, or during the period prior to conception causes cancer , beside inherited genetic abnormalities.
Early signs and symptoms summarised in’ continued, unexplained weight loss, headaches, often with early morning vomiting, In addition to this, 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, constant infections, a whitish colour behind the pupil , nausea which persists or vomiting without nausea , constant tiredness or noticeable paleness, eye or vision changes which occur suddenly and persist, recurrent or persistent fevers of unknown origin are also the signs of cancer.
Dana also said that, “ You can reduce your child’s risk of cancer by minimising radiation exposure during pregnancy and breast feeding for 6 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. Keep your children safe during sun, keep healthy sleeping pattern for the children. She gave advice to parents saying, “parents should be sure that their children have regular medical check-ups and watch for any unusual signs or symptoms that do not go away.”
She added that 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-ups that include special tests to look for early signs of cancer.
