Which childhood cancer is most common?

Which childhood cancer is most common?

• A. Lymphomas
• B. CNS tumours
• C. Leukemias
• D. Renal tumours

Answer: (C)

Leukemias are the most common cancer in children, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia being the most frequent type. They start in the bone marrow and disrupt normal blood cell production, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, increased infections, pale skin, and easy bruising or bleeding. Diagnosis often begins with abnormal findings on a complete blood count and is confirmed by a bone marrow biopsy showing malignant blasts. Treatment relies on chemotherapy and, for some cases, CNS-directed therapy, and outcomes have improved greatly, with many children achieving long-term remission. While other cancers like central nervous system tumors, lymphomas, and renal tumors do occur in children, they are less common than leukemia.

Leukemias are the most common cancer in children, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia being the most frequent type. They start in the bone marrow and disrupt normal blood cell production, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, increased infections, pale skin, and easy bruising or bleeding. Diagnosis often begins with abnormal findings on a complete blood count and is confirmed by a bone marrow biopsy showing malignant blasts. Treatment relies on chemotherapy and, for some cases, CNS-directed therapy, and outcomes have improved greatly, with many children achieving long-term remission. While other cancers like central nervous system tumors, lymphomas, and renal tumors do occur in children, they are less common than leukemia.