Exposure To Radiation Increases The Risk Of Blood Cancer In Children, Really?

JAKARTA - Blood cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that attacks children. This disease occurs due to the uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells, thus disrupting the normal function of blood cells in the body.

As a result, children who experience symptoms will be more susceptible to infection, have anemia, and have blood clotting problems. Although genetic factors are often the main cause, there are various environmental factors that can increase the risk ofcerning, such as radiation exposure.

Pediatrician who graduated from Diponegoro University (UNDIP), Jovita Olivia, SpA, explained that exposure to radiation and excessive chemicals can be one of the triggers for children.

According to him, fire is largely caused by genetic factors, but environmental exposure also plays an important role in accelerating blood cell mutations.

One example of exposure to a risky environment is housing close to industrial estates or high-voltage power transmitters. Radiation and hazardous chemicals in the long term can trigger cell changes that lead to the development of danger.

Symptoms of fire in children often resemble other health problems, so parents need to be more aware of the signs that arise. One common symptom is anemia, which can be known through blood tests, where hemoglobin levels decrease, while the number of leukocytes and platelets can rise or fall abnormally.

Children who experience prolonged fever that lasts more than two weeks without a clear cause. This fever often indicates chronic infection in the body that is difficult to overcome by the child's immune system.

In addition, even though appetite remains high, children suffering fromtiples tend not to experience a significant gain in weight. This condition can be an indication of disorders in the body's metabolism.

Several other signs that need to be watched out for are spontaneous bleeding such as blood clots or bleeding gums that occur for no apparent reason. The appearance of bruises on the body that occur without any impacts and lumps on the neck, arms, or legs can also be an indication of fire.

If the child experiences some of these symptoms for a long time, immediately consult a doctor for further examination.

In January 2024, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin revealed that trauma is the most common type of cancer found in children in Indonesia. Based on data from Globocan 2020, of the 11,156 recorded cases of child cancer (age 0-19 years),tipel was ranked first with 3,880 cases (34.8 percent). Meanwhile, lymph cancer or lymphoma was recorded at 640 cases (5.7 percent) and brain cancer was 637 cases (5.7 percent).

Seeing the high number of events in children, it is important for parents to raise awareness of their risks and symptoms. Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, ensure a safe environment, and carry out regular health checks can be an important step in preventing and detectingciples early on. If this disease can be diagnosed early, the chances of success in treatment will be even greater, so that children have better opportunities to live a healthy and quality life.