Of the child age cancer cases, leukemia takes first place
Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Academic Staff Dr. Nazife Hürer, speaking within the scope of 2-8 November Children with Leukemia Week stated, “Of the child age cancer cases, leukemia makes up around 30%, and is frequently ranked as the first place”.
Explaining that leukemia (blood cancer) is a type of cancer that is developed due to the uncontrolled increase of blood cells that are produced within the bone marrow, Hürer added that the reason for the illness is not fully known.
Stating that there are important factors that play an important role in triggering and developing the disease, Dr. Hürer continued, “These can be factors such as some chromosomal diseases, genetic predispositions, some viral infections, exposure to high-dose radiation, and being exposed to benzene-type chemicals”.
Drawing attention to the findings of studies that have been performed in recent years, displaying an increase in the frequency of leukemia in children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy, Hürer pointed to the importance of staying away from cigarettes during pregnancy.
Reminding that children with leukemia can display different symptoms, Dr. Hürer noted that the most obvious symptoms are anemia, susceptibility to infections, frequent illness, fever, various bleedings (nose, gingival and subcutaneous bleeding), frequent bruises on the skin, loss of appetite, weight loss, enlarged spleen or liver, swelling in lymph nodes, weakness, fatigue, palpitations, and pain, swelling, and limitation of movement in bones and joints.
Hürer advised that paying attention to the possible symptoms of the disease is the best way to achieve an early diagnosis of leukemia, and informed, “Blood, bone marrow, cell type determination, and genetic tests can result in a definitive diagnosis. The detailed tests performed within the diagnosis will generally assist in determining the types of leukemia and the principles of treatment”.
Dr. Hürer added that eating habits can be a cause for cancer, and also underlined that the development of cancer also affects the nutritional status of children.
Stipulating that in the improvement of the quality of life for children with leukemia, adequate and balanced nutrition plays a role, Hürer stated that during the process of the disease, it is important to support the immune system.
Explaining what an adequate and balanced diet should include, Hürer concluded, “Children should consume foods from each food group, with clean ingredients in appropriate portions according to the child’s needs.”