Cancer in Children: Symptoms and Treatment

Cancer in Children in Indonesia

Cancer in children is a rare disease compared to cancer in adults, but it remains a serious threat. According to GLOBOCAN data, more than 11,000 cases of childhood cancer occur in Indonesia every year. Leukemia, brain cancer, and lymphoma are the most common types of cancer affecting children.
 

Although the exact cause of childhood cancer is not yet fully understood, genetic and environmental factors are suspected to play a role in the development of this disease. Early detection is a key factor in improving survival rates, with recovery chances reaching 70-80% if cancer is diagnosed early and receives proper treatment.

Common Symptoms of Cancer in Children

Cancer in children is often difficult to recognize because its symptoms resemble those of more common illnesses. However, the following signs should not be ignored and need to be checked by a doctor:

1. Pale Skin, Bruising, or Unexplained Bleeding

• The child appears weak and frequently experiences bruises without an apparent cause.
   

• Often experiences nosebleeds or bleeding that is difficult to stop.

2. Lumps or Swelling That Is Not Painful

• A lump appears on the neck, armpit, abdomen, or groin that does not go away.
   

• The swelling may be caused by lymphoma or a tumor in soft tissue.

3. Drastic Weight Loss

• The child experiences rapid weight loss despite maintaining a normal diet.
   

• This could be a sign of blood cancer or cancer affecting the digestive system.

4. Persistent or Recurrent Fever

• Fever without a clear cause lasting for more than two weeks.
   

• Could be a sign of leukemia or lymphoma.

5. Bone or Joint Pain

• The child frequently complains of pain in the bones or joints without any history of injury.
   

• This could be a sign of leukemia or bone cancer.

6. Changes in the Eyes

• The eyes appear misaligned or have a white spot on the pupil.
   

• Could indicate retinoblastoma, a common eye cancer in children.

7. Persistent Headaches or Morning Vomiting

• The child often experiences severe headaches, especially in the morning.
   

• Accompanied by vomiting without an apparent reason.
   

• Could be a sign of brain cancer.
   

Note: If a child experiences two or more of the above symptoms continuously, immediately consult a doctor for further examination.

Types of Cancer in Children

Cancer in children has different characteristics from cancer in adults. Childhood cancer tends to originate from cell mutations that occur during fetal development or early growth stages, rather than lifestyle factors as seen in adult cancers.
 

In Indonesia, childhood cancer accounts for 2-3% of total cancer cases, with leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphoma being the most common types. Below are some of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in children in Indonesia:

1. Leukemia (Blood Cancer) – 30% of Childhood Cancer Cases

Leukemia is the most common type of childhood cancer, accounting for about 30% of all pediatric cancer cases in Indonesia. Leukemia occurs when the bone marrow produces an excessive number of abnormal white blood cells, which disrupt the production of healthy blood cells.
 

Types of Leukemia in Children:
 

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): The most common type in children, with a higher chance of recovery compared to other types.
   

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): More aggressive and requires intensive treatment.
   

Symptoms of Leukemia in Children:
 

• Pale skin and weakness due to anemia
   

• Easy bruising or bleeding due to platelet disorders
   

• Frequent infections due to a weakened immune system
   

• Bone or joint pain, especially in the legs
   

With early detection and intensive treatment, the survival rate for childhood leukemia can reach over 80%.

2. Brain Tumors and Central Nervous System Tumors – 20% of Childhood Cancer Cases

Brain tumors are the second most common type of childhood cancer, accounting for about 20% of total pediatric cancer cases in Indonesia. These tumors can grow in various parts of the brain or central nervous system, such as the brainstem and cerebellum.

Types of Brain Tumors in Children:

• Medulloblastoma: The most common malignant brain tumor in children.
   

• Astrocytoma: Can be benign or malignant, depending on its severity.
   

• Ependymoma: Originates from cells lining the brain’s ventricles.
   

Symptoms of Brain Tumors in Children:

• Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
   

• Recurring vomiting without a clear cause
   

• Balance and coordination problems
   

• Behavioral changes and difficulty concentrating
   

Brain tumors in children have a better prognosis compared to adults if treated early.

3. Lymphoma (Lymph Node Cancer) – 10% of Childhood Cancer Cases

Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymph nodes, which are part of the immune system. Childhood lymphoma is divided into two main types:
 

• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Characterized by painless swelling of the lymph nodes.
   

• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: More aggressive and often occurs in the chest or abdomen.

Symptoms of Lymphoma in Children:

• Painless lumps in the neck, armpits, or groin
   

• Persistent fever and night sweats
   

• Sudden weight loss
   

• Breathing difficulties if the tumor presses on the airways
   

Hodgkin’s lymphoma has a cure rate of up to 90% if diagnosed and treated early.

4. Neuroblastoma – 6% of Childhood Cancer Cases

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from embryonic nerve cells and is usually found in infants and children under 5 years old. This cancer often grows in the adrenal glands, chest, or abdomen.

Symptoms of Neuroblastoma:

• Lump in the abdomen or chest
   

• Protruding eyes or dark circles around the eyes
   

• Breathing difficulties or high blood pressure
   

• Bone pain if cancer has spread
   

Early-detected neuroblastoma has a survival rate of over 80%, but if it has spread, the prognosis can decline significantly.

5. Retinoblastoma (Eye Cancer) – 4% of Childhood Cancer Cases

Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer that affects the retina and is often diagnosed in children under 3 years old. It can occur in one or both eyes.

Symptoms of Retinoblastoma:

• White reflection in the pupil (cat’s eye effect)
   

• Crossed eyes or vision problems
   

• Red or enlarged eye without a clear cause
   

If retinoblastoma is detected early, the survival rate can reach 90-95%.

6. Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) – 3% of Childhood Cancer Cases

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in children, especially in teenagers during periods of rapid bone growth.

Symptoms of Osteosarcoma:

• Persistent bone pain, especially at night
   

• Swelling around the joints
   

• Fractures (broken bones) occurring without severe trauma
   

Osteosarcoma most commonly affects long bones, such as the femur (thigh bone) and humerus (upper arm bone).

Diagnosis and Treatment Methods

To diagnose cancer in children, doctors will perform several tests, such as:
 

• Blood Tests: To detect signs of leukemia or abnormal infections.
   

• Imaging (CT Scan, MRI, X-ray, Ultrasound): To detect tumors inside the body.
   

• Biopsy: Taking a tissue sample for further examination.

The treatment method depends on the type and stage of cancer and includes:

• Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.
   

• Radiotherapy: Using radiation to destroy tumors.
   

• Surgery: Removing tumors or cancerous tissues that can be extracted.
   

• Bone Marrow Transplant: Used for severe leukemia or other blood cancers.

The Importance of Insurance for Children's Cancer Treatment Costs

The treatment of cancer in children requires very high costs, especially because the treatment can last for a long period. In addition to hospitalization costs and treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, families must also consider additional costs such as medications, follow-up examinations, and palliative care if needed.
 

Without adequate financial protection, this financial burden can become a heavy challenge for parents. Therefore, having critical illness insurance is an important step to ensure that children receive the best care without having to worry about expensive medical costs.
 

As a solution, Oona Cancer Insurance offers the following benefits:
 

• Cash compensation of up to IDR 500 million upon cancer diagnosis (including early-stage), which can be used for treatment costs and other needs.
   

• No complicated medical examinations, making it easier to obtain protection.
   

• Affordable premiums starting from IDR 11,500 per month, suitable for all groups.
   

• Protection from ages 18-65 years and extendable up to 70 years, providing long-term financial security.
   

With the right insurance, parents can focus more on their child's recovery without being burdened by high treatment costs. Protect your beloved child now!

Conclusion

Childhood cancer is a serious condition that requires special attention. Leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphoma are the most common types of cancer in children in Indonesia. Early detection and proper treatment can increase the chance of recovery to 80-90%, but many cases are found at an advanced stage due to a lack of awareness about early symptoms.
 

Parents should be alert to signs of cancer in children, such as paleness, unexplained bruises, painless lumps, persistent headaches, or drastic weight loss. If a child shows these signs, immediately undergo a medical examination to confirm the diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment.