Parents Urged to Be Vigilant for Early Signs of Childhood Cancer
Jakarta – Pediatric hematology-oncology specialist Dr. Ludi Dhyani Rahmartani spoke about the symptoms of childhood cancer that parents should be aware of. She explained that the most common type of cancer found in children is leukemia, or blood cancer.
Children with this condition often experience symptoms such as unexplained bruising, and persistent fever. If these symptoms are present, it is recommended to take the child to a doctor for evaluation.
“The most common childhood cancer is blood cancer, leukemia, so the symptoms are often bruising, bleeding, paleness, prolonged fever, and also joint pain. These should be checked out with a blood test – don’t be afraid to get a blood test – and consult a doctor,” Dr. Ludi said during the #BeraniGundul 2026 event in Central Jakarta on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Another common type of cancer, within the category of solid tumors, is eye cancer (retinoblastoma) and brain tumors. For eye cancer, there are several symptoms that can be recognized, such as a “cat’s eye” appearance.
Brain cancer, however, can only be detected through examination via MRI.
“Retinoblastoma can be detected early on, so if we can see a child’s eyes are crossed, or there are white spots, like a cat’s eye, they should be taken to an eye doctor to make sure it isn’t retinoblastoma,” Dr. Ludi explained.
While childhood cancer cannot be prevented, it is curable. The most important thing is to ensure that cancer is detected quickly and treated properly.
Often, childhood cancer is detected late. In some cases, patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer are brought to alternative medicine practitioners by their parents. She strongly advises against this, as it will only delay treatment.
“That’s what needs to be ingrained in society: don’t be afraid to go to the doctor, don’t be afraid of treatment, afraid of cancer medications, because usually when they go to alternative medicine first and then to the doctor, it’s already too late. The sooner it’s treated, the better the chance of recovery,” she stated.
According to the Children’s Health website, childhood cancer is rare in the United States, with approximately 10,000 children under the age of 15 diagnosed each year. However, parents should be aware of unusual or unexplained symptoms.
The Kids Cancer Resources organization notes that childhood cancer can manifest through subtle symptoms that worsen over time or persist longer than typical childhood illnesses. Common signs to watch for include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, frequent infections, or unusual bruising, and bleeding. A child who bruises easily or has persistent nosebleeds may be showing early indications of blood cancers like leukemia.
A mass or lump under the skin can also be a red flag, developing in soft tissues or bones. Systemic symptoms such as persistent fever and night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue should also prompt medical attention.
International Childhood Cancer Day is observed on February 15th to raise awareness about childhood cancers and the importance of early detection. Early diagnosis significantly improves the prognosis for children with cancer.
