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Furthermore, childhood leukemia represents about 24.9% of all new childhood cancer cases.

According to the National Cancer Institute in the United States, it is, in fact, the most common type of cancer in children and teens, accounting for 1 out of 3 cancers affecting this age group. Additionally, it affects more males than females, though not by a large margin.

Moreover slightly more common among Hispanic children and children who are white than among African American and Asian American children.

The earliest signs of leukemia can be hard to spot. Moreover, they can also vary from child to child, as not all children with leukemia show the symptoms listed above.

Furthermore, many of the symptoms are common and can indicate a range of illnesses. Consequently, the doctor will perform various tests and assessments before making a diagnosis.

Therefore, if a parent or caregiver notices any of the symptoms above, it is best to take the child to a doctor as soon as possible. Ultimately, a prompt diagnosis can ensure that the child receives the right treatment quickly.

Frequent Infections

While children with leukemia have high white blood cell counts, but most of these cells are not functioning correctly. In fact, this is because abnormal cells replace healthy white blood cells.

Furthermore, white blood cells help protect the body by fighting off infections. Consequently, recurrent or persistent infections can indicate that a child does not have enough healthy white blood cells.

Bruising and Bleeding

Moreover, if a child bruises easily and experiences severe nosebleeds or bleeds from the gums, this may point to leukemia.

Furthermore, a child with this type of cancer will have a lack of platelets that help prevent bleeding.

Extreme Fatigue

Moreover, in rare cases, leukemia leads to very severe weakness and exhaustion that can result in slurred speech.

Specifically, this occurs when leukemia cells collect in the blood, causing the blood to thicken. Consequently, the blood may be so thick that circulation slows through small vessels in the brain.

Feeling Generally Unwell or Experiencing Frequent Headaches

Additionally, a child may not be able to describe their symptoms in detail, but they may appear to be generally ill. They may also experience frequent, unexplained headaches.

Therefore, when the cause of a child’s illness is unclear, make an appointment with a doctor.

Swelling

In a child with leukemia, swelling can affect various parts of the body, including:

• In the abdomen, for example, when abnormal cells collect in the liver or spleen
• Additionally, the lymph nodes, causing small lumps to form on the sides of the neck, in the underarms, or around the collarbone, where lymph nodes reside
• Furthermore, in the face and arms, when pressure on a vein called the superior vena cava causes blood to pool in the area

Importantly, a child with swollen lymph nodes and no additional symptoms is more likely to have an infection than leukemia.

Moreover, tumors from other types of cancers are more likely to put pressure on the superior vena cava and lead to facial swelling. The swelling would be worse when a child wakes up, and it will improve throughout the day.

This is called superior vena syndrome and rarely occurs in cases of leukemia. Nevertheless, it can be life threatening and requires emergency care.

Lack of Appetite, Stomachache, and Weight loss

When Leukemia cells cause swelling in the liver, kidneys, or spleen, these organs can press against the stomach.

As a result, the result may be a feeling of fullness or discomfort, a loss of appetite, and subsequent weight loss.

Bone or Joint Pain

Specifically, if a child seems to be in pain and complains that their bones or joints are sore or achy, this can indicate childhood leukemia.

Moreover, when leukemia develops, the abnormal cells can collect close to the surface of the bones or inside joints.