16 Sep 2025 : Childhood cancer is rare, but when it creeps in, the early symptoms can mimic regular illnesses. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ramana Gogi, principal consultant, medical oncology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said, “Parents may mistake them for viral infections, growth spurts, or routine tiredness, leading to delays in diagnosis. Doctors emphasise that while not every fever or ache is alarming, there are red flags worth noting.”
1. Persistent fever without a clear cause
Children often run fevers due to infections, but a fever that lingers for weeks, doesn’t respond to common treatments, or keeps coming back could point to leukaemia or lymphoma. Unlike viral fevers, these are usually low-grade but unrelenting.
2. Unexplained fatigue and weakness
Tiredness is common in growing children, but cancer-related fatigue is different; it doesn’t improve with rest and often affects school performance, play, and daily activities. If your child seems unusually drained, pale, or uninterested in things they once enjoyed, it may warrant a closer look.
3. Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
Frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bruises that appear without injury may indicate issues with blood clotting, often linked to leukaemia. Parents may dismiss them as clumsiness, but when bruises are widespread, large, or located in unusual places (like the back), medical evaluation is crucial.
4. Persistent pain or lumps
Bone or joint pain is common during growth phases, but if the pain is severe, wakes a child at night, or doesn’t respond to routine care, it needs investigation. Similarly, swelling in the neck, underarms, or groin that doesn’t subside may point to an underlying malignancy.
5. Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
Unlike gradual changes linked to diet or activity, cancer-related weight loss happens quickly and is accompanied by loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, or persistent nausea. This is often overlooked until it becomes pronounced.
“Most childhood cancers are treatable if caught early. Parents should balance vigilance with reassurance; persistent, unusual patterns are what truly matter. Recognising these subtle warning signs and seeking timely medical advice can make the difference between delayed treatment and a better prognosis,” said the oncologist.
Summary : An oncologist outlined five critical signs of childhood cancer, including persistent fever, fatigue, unusual lumps, weight loss, and other symptoms, urging early medical evaluation for timely intervention.