What is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease where some of the cells in your body start to grow too much.
Your body is made up of tiny cells that you cannot see with your eyes. These cells are supposed to grow and make new cells when old ones die.
But sometimes, cells start growing in a way that is not normal.
They can grow into a lump called a tumor.
Some tumors are not dangerous, but others can be very bad for your body. The bad ones are called cancer.
Signs of Cancer
There are many signs that someone might have cancer.
These signs can be different depending on where the cancer is in the body.
If you have any of these signs, it does not always mean you have cancer, but it is important to tell an adult so they can take you to a doctor.
The doctor can help find out what is wrong.
1. A Lump in the Body
One sign of cancer is finding a lump or bump in your body that wasn’t there before.
This lump might be in your neck, under your arm, in your breast, or anywhere else.
If you feel a lump that does not go away, you should tell an adult.
2. Feeling Very Tired
Everyone gets tired sometimes, but if you are always feeling very, very tired, it might be a sign of cancer.
This kind of tiredness does not go away, even if you rest or sleep a lot.
It is different from the tiredness you feel after playing or running.
3. Losing Weight Without Trying
If you are losing weight without trying to, it could be a sign of cancer.
This means you are getting skinnier even though you are eating the same amount of food.
It is important to tell an adult if this happens.
4. Pain That Does Not Go Away
Sometimes, cancer can cause pain in the body.
This pain might not go away, even if you take medicine.
It can be in your bones, your head, or other parts of your body.
If you have pain that does not get better, you should tell an adult.
5. Skin Changes
Cancer can also change the way your skin looks.
You might notice a new mole or a spot that is growing, changing color, or bleeding.
These changes can be a sign of skin cancer. If you see something like this, you should tell an adult.
6. Coughing or Trouble Breathing
If you have a cough that does not go away, or if you have trouble breathing, it could be a sign of cancer in your lungs.
This kind of cough is different from a cold or flu. It might last for weeks or even months.
If you have a cough like this, you should tell an adult.
7. Trouble Swallowing
Cancer in the throat or esophagus can make it hard to swallow food or drinks. If you feel like food is getting stuck when you swallow, or if swallowing hurts, you should tell an adult.
8. Bleeding or Bruising
Sometimes, cancer can cause you to bleed or bruise easily. You might notice blood when you brush your teeth, or you might get a bruise without bumping into anything. If you see this happening, it is important to tell an adult.
9. Changes in Bathroom Habits
Cancer can also cause changes in how you go to the bathroom. You might notice blood in your pee or poop, or you might have to go to the bathroom more often than usual. If you see blood or if something doesn’t feel right when you go to the bathroom, you should tell an adult.
10. Not Healing Well
If you get a cut or sore that does not heal, it could be a sign of cancer. Most cuts and sores get better in a few days, but if yours does not, it is important to tell an adult.
Why You Should Not Be Afraid
It is important to remember that just because you have one of these signs does not mean you have cancer. Many of these signs can be caused by other things that are not cancer. For example, you might have a cough because of a cold, or you might be tired because you didn’t sleep well.
But if you notice any of these signs, it is a good idea to tell an adult, like your parents or a teacher. They can help you see a doctor if needed. The doctor will check to see what is wrong and help you get better.
What to Do if You Have Signs of Cancer
If you have any of the signs we talked about, the first thing to do is to tell an adult. They can take you to see a doctor. The doctor will ask you some questions and might do some tests to find out what is wrong.
Seeing the Doctor
When you see the doctor, they will ask you about the signs you have been noticing. They might ask when you first noticed the signs and if they have been getting worse. The doctor might also ask if you have been feeling sick in other ways, like if you have been feeling more tired than usual.
Tests and Exams
The doctor might want to do some tests to learn more about what is happening in your body. Some of these tests might be simple, like taking a little bit of your blood to check if everything is okay. Other tests might involve taking pictures of the inside of your body, like an X-ray or a scan. These tests help the doctor see what is going on and if there is anything wrong.
Getting Help Early
If the doctor finds out that you do have cancer, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you get help, the better the chances are that you will get better. There are many treatments for cancer, and the doctor will choose the best one for you.
How Cancer is Treated
There are different ways to treat cancer. The treatment you get will depend on the type of cancer and how much it has grown. Here are some of the ways doctors treat cancer:
1. Surgery
Sometimes, doctors can take out the cancer with surgery. This means they will remove the tumor from your body. After the surgery, you might need some time to rest and heal, but this can help get rid of the cancer.
2. Medicine (Chemotherapy)
Another way to treat cancer is with medicine. This kind of medicine is called chemotherapy. It works by killing the cancer cells or stopping them from growing. Chemotherapy can make you feel sick for a while, but it is very strong and can help get rid of the cancer.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is another way to treat cancer. It uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. The doctor might use a machine to aim these rays at the tumor. Radiation therapy does not hurt, but it might make you feel tired afterward.
4. Other Treatments
There are other treatments for cancer, too. Some people might need a combination of treatments to get better. The doctor will decide what is best for you.
Staying Strong
Having cancer can be scary, but it is important to stay strong. Many people who get cancer are able to get better with the right treatment. It helps to talk to people about how you are feeling. Your family, friends, and doctors are there to help you.
Talking to Someone
If you are worried about cancer, it is okay to talk to someone you trust. This could be your parents, a teacher, or a friend. Talking can help you feel better and less scared.
Taking Care of Your Body
Even if you do not have cancer, it is important to take care of your body. Eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising can help keep your body strong. It is also important to go to the doctor for check-ups, even if you feel fine. This way, the doctor can make sure you are healthy.
Conclusion
Cancer is a serious illness, but knowing the signs can help you get the help you need. Remember, just because you have one of these signs does not mean you have cancer. But if you notice something that does not seem right, it is always a good idea to tell an adult. They can help you see a doctor and find out what is going on. With the right help, many people who get cancer are able to get better. So, stay strong, talk to people you trust, and take good care of your body.
