By: Jaqueline Casillas, M.D., medical director, Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach

Despite recent advancements in research over the last few decades, cancer remains the No. 1 cause of death by disease in children. This year, about 15,700 children in the United States from birth to 19-years-old will be diagnosed with cancer — 1,960 of these children are expected to die.

Any child can have cancer. Children are diagnosed with cancer across all ethnic groups, social and economic statuses and even ages. Cancers in children can be hard to recognize because early symptoms often overlap with those caused by common illnesses or injuries.

Many symptoms can be described using the acronym C.H.I.L.D. C.A.N.C.E.R. provided by the Pediatric Oncology Resource Center:

  • Continued, unexplained weight loss
  • Headaches, 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
  • Constant infections
  • A white-ish color behind the pupil
  • Nausea which persists or vomiting without nausea
  • Constant tiredness or noticeable paleness
  • Eye or vision changes which occur suddenly and do not go away
  • Recurrent or persistent fevers of unknown origin

Make sure your child has regular medical check-ups and watch for any unusual signs or symptoms that don’t go away. Your child’s doctor can work with you to assess your child’s risk, by reviewing family medical history, physical examinations or screenings.Talk to your pediatrician about prolonged symptoms that your child may be experiencing.

The Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center (JJCCC) at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach is one of only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide to have full accreditation through the Commission of Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons. JJCCC provides comprehensive, family centered care to children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other serious blood disorders.

The JJCCC psychosocial program ensures that patients and families learn to cope with the physical and emotional aspects of childhood cancer and serious blood disorders. The psychosocial program is supported by an experienced team of social workers, psychologists, Child Life specialists and an art therapist — all dedicated solely to young patients with cancer and serious blood disorders.

The psychosocial team brings a sense of familiarity for patients, deepening the bond between the health care team. Together, they ensure that patients and their families receive the support, encouragement and access to community resources they need.

As long as children are affected by cancer, JJCCC will continue the fight to find a cure. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and JJCCC invites everyone to participate in the Flames of Hope Project. The Flames of Hope Project helps to spark awareness of childhood cancer and represents the community’s united hope for a cure for childhood cancer.

For more information on the Flames of Hope Project, visit MillerChildrens.org/FlamesofHope.