Childhood cancer in NZ: Symptoms, treatment, and tips for parents

Is childhood cancer common in New Zealand?

Every year, around 150 children in New Zealand are diagnosed with cancer. While these numbers may seem small compared to adult cancers, they carry a heavy weight for every parent, sibling, and friend involved.

The most common childhood cancers in New Zealand are leukaemias (such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia), central nervous system (CNS) tumours (such as brain tumours), and lymphomas (such as Hodgkin lymphoma).

Let’s look at the symptoms of childhood cancer so you can spot warning signs early.

Common symptoms of childhood cancer

Early signs of childhood cancer often merge with everyday illnesses, like a lingering cold or the aches of growing up. But as a parent or caregiver, if something feels wrong, trust your instincts and dig deeper.

Here’s a detailed look at the most common symptoms to watch for and what they might mean:

• Fatigue: Does your child seem drained, even after a good night’s sleep? Maybe they’re consistently too tired to ride their bike, join friends at the park, or focus on homework. If your usually active child is always napping or seems listless for weeks, take note.
• Fever: A fever that comes and goes without a clear cause is concerning. If your child repeatedly spikes a temperature, especially over a week or two, it might not be just a bug.
• Pale skin: If your child's skin looks pale, their lips are colourless, or they seem washed out even if not sick or tired, a low red blood cell count could be the cause. This paleness can creep up slowly, so compare their appearance to that of a few months ago.
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding: Random bruises on your child’s legs or arms (without a fall or bump and even after a gentle hug), frequent nosebleeds, tiny red spots (petechiae) on the skin, or bleeding gums when they brush their teeth.
• Lumps or swelling: Unusual lumps in the neck, armpits, groin, or abdomen that are firm or painless and do not shrink after a few weeks. If your child’s belly looks bloated or feels hard, don’t ignore it.
• Ongoing pain: Ongoing pain in bones, joints, or the abdomen is serious, especially if it wakes your child at night.
• Weight loss: Your child is losing weight without a change in diet or activity, or they’ve lost their appetite for weeks. Some cancers can suppress hunger or burn calories faster.

If any of these signs persist for more than two weeks, seem severe, or get worse, contact your doctor. While they don’t necessarily mean cancer, get them checked out for clarity and peace of mind.

Other symptoms to watch for

Some symptoms of childhood cancer are less common and can easily be mistaken for everyday issues, like a headache from too much screen time or nausea from a tummy bug. But they can also be crucial warning signs. If certain symptoms linger or seem unusual, follow them up.

Here’s a closer look at these signs and what they might mean:

• Headaches: Does your child complain of headaches that won’t go away, especially in the morning? These might feel intense, wake them from sleep, or come with vomiting that makes the headache feel better.
• Vision changes: Has your child started squinting, complaining of blurry or double vision? Sudden or worsening changes, especially over a few weeks, need a doctor’s check.
• Balance issues: Is your child clumsier than usual, tripping over toys or struggling to walk in a straight line? Perhaps they seem wobbly when climbing stairs. If these problems last more than a week or two, they’re worth investigating.

Symptoms like these don’t always mean cancer. Headaches could stem from stress, dehydration, or migraines. Vision or hearing changes might be due to needing glasses or an ear infection. Balance problems could come from an inner ear problem, and nausea might just be a virus.

But if your child’s issues are ongoing or come with other worrying signs, don’t wait - seek medical advice promptly. Early action can make all the difference.

What parents should do if symptoms appear

If your child shows worrying symptoms, here’s how to take charge:

• Track symptoms: Write down what you see. Note when symptoms started, how often they occur, and how severe they are. This will help you communicate with the doctor so they can spot patterns.
• See a GP: Book an appointment with your child’s doctor right away. Share your notes and be clear about your worries. Don’t be afraid to ask for blood tests, imaging, or a specialist referral.
• Get a second opinion: If the doctor dismisses your concerns or you’re still concerned, seek another opinion. Your peace of mind matters.
• Act fast: Early action can catch cancer before it spreads. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse.

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis leads to less aggressive treatments and better outcomes. Doctors use the following tests to diagnose childhood cancer:

• Blood tests: These check for abnormal blood cell counts, common in leukaemias.
• Imaging: X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs help find tumours or unusual growths.
• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken to confirm if cancer cells are present.
• Bone marrow test: This checks for cancer in the bone marrow; often used to diagnose leukaemias.
• Lumbar puncture: This checks spinal fluid for cancer cells and is especially used to diagnose brain or spinal tumours.

These tests help doctors identify the cancer type and stage. Once diagnosed, treatment can begin quickly to improve your child’s outcome.

Treatment

Early treatment often means less intensive therapy and reduced long-term side effects. In New Zealand, children can be treated at specialised centres, such as Starship’s Blood and Cancer Centre in Auckland or the Children’s Haematology Oncology Centre in Christchurch.

Here are common treatment options:

• Chemotherapy: Drugs that target fast-growing cancer cells, widely used for leukaemias and lymphomas.
• Surgery: Helps remove solid tumours, like Wilms' tumour in the kidney or brain tumours.
• Radiotherapy: Uses targeted radiation to shrink tumours, often for brain or bone cancers.
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer and is helpful in some leukaemias and lymphomas.
• Bone marrow transplant: Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy cells, often for high-risk cases.

Your child’s medical team will create a plan tailored to their needs. They’ll explain each step to help you feel informed and supported.

How curable is childhood cancer?

In New Zealand, childhood cancer survival rates are very good. Over 80-85% of children diagnosed survive five years or more, similar to other high-income countries. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and lymphomas often have cure rates of over 92.5%. Brain tumours, like CNS tumours, can have success rates of more than 73.5%. Māori and Pacific children face slightly lower survival rates, often due to delays in diagnosis or access to care.

The cancer type, stage, and timing of treatment matter. Early diagnosis identifies cancer before it spreads, boosting cure rates. Advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapy are improving outcomes every year. With timely care, your child has a strong chance of beating cancer and living a full, healthy life.

Tips for parents

Supporting your child through cancer is challenging, but you’re their biggest ally. Here are practical ways to help:

• Talk simply and honestly: Explain tests or treatments in words your child understands. Be truthful but gentle. Answer their questions clearly to calm their fears.
• Stay positive: Your calm presence reassures your child. Bring their favourite toy, blanket, or book to hospital visits for comfort.
• Keep routines: Stick to familiar habits, like reading a bedtime story or playing a favourite game. This helps maintain a sense of normalcy and moderates the changes brought about by treatment.
• Care for yourself: Your main focus is your child, but remember to look after yourself too. Take breaks to eat, rest, or go for a walk. Lean on family, friends, or groups like the Child Cancer Foundation.
• Seek support: Talk to a counsellor if you feel overwhelmed. Many hospitals offer parent support services to help you cope.

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