Leukemias make up about one-third of cancers seen in childhood

Cyprus International University (CIU) School of Health Sciences Child Development Department Chair, Assist. Prof. Dr. Neslihan Koçer, speaking within the scope of 2-8 November Children with Leukemia Week, stated said that leukemia is one of the most common diseases in childhood, and is also one of the worst diseases of this age group.

Pointing out that one of the most common cancers in children are the leukemias, Koçer noted that they constitute about one-third of the cancers seen in childhood, and often occur in children under the age of 4.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Koçer, reminding that leukemia has been known and tried to be treated for nearly two centuries, went on to say, “Developments in the last twenty years such as innovations in diagnosis and treatment practices in acute leukemia, development of supportive therapies and the introduction of more effective drug combinations, have decreased the side effects of the drugs, while allowing patient-specific treatments to be selected and the chance to live longer.”

Expressing that the diagnosis of childhood leukemia can be made with blood tests that may indicate leukemia, Koçer stated that the best way to diagnose leukemia early is to pay attention to the possible symptoms of this disease.

Pointing out that leukemia may have different symptoms, Koçer said, "Anemia (anemia), susceptibility to infections, frequent illness, fever, various bleeding (such as nose bleeding, gum bleeding, subcutaneous bleeding), frequent bruising on the skin, difficulty in stopping bleeds from wounds, loss of appetite, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen or liver, swelling of lymph nodes (palpable lumps on the skin), weakness, pallor, palpitations, pain in bones and joints, swelling and limitation of movement, are the most obvious ones.”

Stating that these symptoms may be caused by diseases other than leukemia, Koçer said that it is important to check these symptoms with a doctor for early diagnosis.

Expressing that leukemia is a disease that requires long stays in the hospital, Koçer stated that especially Child Developers have a great role in both providing developmental counseling to families, and supporting the development and education of sick children.