Children often develop fevers, bruises, headaches, and aches as part of everyday childhood. Most of these symptoms are harmless. However, when a change is unexplained, does not improve, or becomes worse, it should be assessed by a doctor.Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, observed in September, highlights the importance of recognising possible warning signs early. Cancer in children is rare, but prompt investigation can help identify the cause and allow treatment to begin sooner, if needed

1. Unexplained Lumps or Swelling

A lump or swelling that does not disappear should be examined by a doctor. It may appear in the neck, underarm, groin, abdomen, chest, testicle, or elsewhere. Swollen glands are common during infections, but a lump that grows, feels firm, or remains after an illness needs medical attention.

2. Unusual Tiredness or Paleness

Constant exhaustion, weakness, breathlessness, or unusually pale skin may indicate anaemia. In some cases, leukaemia can affect the bone marrow’s ability to produce enough healthy red blood cells, leaving a child tired and pale.

3. Unexplained Bruising or Bleeding

Active children frequently bruise their knees and shins. However, repeated bruises without a clear injury, bruising in unusual places, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or tiny red or purple spots under the skin should be investigated.

4. A Persistent or Unexplained Fever

Most fevers are caused by infections. Medical advice is important if a fever lasts for more than two weeks, repeatedly returns without an obvious cause, or occurs with weight loss, paleness, bruising, or extreme tiredness. Frequent or unusually severe infections also require assessment.

5. Unexplained Weight Loss

Children’s weight changes as they grow, but noticeable weight loss without a change in diet or activity is not normal. A continuing loss of appetite, difficulty eating, or failure to gain weight as expected may also indicate an underlying health problem.

6. Ongoing Bone, Joint, or Back Pain

Pain that persists, wakes a child at night, causes a limp, or interferes with normal play should not automatically be dismissed as growing pains. Bone pain accompanied by swelling, weakness, or a fracture following a minor injury requires medical attention.

7. Persistent Headaches or Vomiting

Headaches that keep returning, become worse in the morning, or wake a child from sleep should be checked. Warning signs may also include repeated vomiting, blurred vision, seizures, unusual sleepiness, weakness, personality changes, or a decline in school performance.

8. Changes in the Eyes

A white glow or white spot in the pupil, particularly when noticed in a flash photograph, can be a warning sign of retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer. A new squint, a bulging eye, sudden loss of vision, or unexplained changes in eye movement also require prompt assessment.

9. A Swollen or Painful Abdomen

Ongoing abdominal swelling or pain, constipation, or a firm mass may have many possible causes. However, symptoms that persist or are accompanied by vomiting, blood in the urine, poor appetite, or weight loss should be examined by a doctor.

10. Changes in Movement, Balance, or Behaviour

A new limp, repeated falls, difficulty walking, loss of balance, slurred speech, or weakness on one side of the body may involve the brain, spinal cord, bones, or muscles. Parents should also seek medical advice if a child becomes unusually withdrawn, irritable, or sleepy, or loses abilities they had already developed.

When to Seek Medical Help

Having one of these symptoms does not mean that a child has cancer. The main warning signs are changes that are unexplained, persistent, recurring, or noticeably different from the child’s usual health or behaviour.

Parents and caregivers know their children best. If symptoms continue despite treatment, return after improving, or become worse, seek medical advice again or request a second opinion. Urgent medical attention is needed for seizures, breathing difficulties, sudden weakness, loss of consciousness, severe unexplained bleeding, or a rapid decline in the child’s condition.

Conclusion

Most concerning symptoms will have a cause other than cancer. However, taking persistent or unusual changes seriously can provide reassurance or help a child receive the right care without unnecessary delay.

Through the Affinity Health Junior Combined Plan, members have access to day-to-day healthcare benefits, including unlimited 24/7 telephonic health advice and nurse consultations, as well as unlimited managed, in-network GP consultations through referral, together with hospital cover for unexpected admissions. This makes it easier to seek professional advice when a child develops worrying or persistent symptoms.