Warning Signs Of Childhood Cancers

Unexplained Weight Loss

A child who is affected by cancer may experience unexplained weight loss that does not improve no matter what food they consume. Cancerous cells have the same needs of healthy cells in terms of glucose and other nutrients required for the production of ATP or useable cellular energy. However, cancerous cells consume these nutrients more rapidly than healthy cells do. A child will experience a decrease in their total body mass when their energy balance shifts from a positive or neutral energy balance to a negative energy balance. A negative energy balance means an individual is burning the calories and other nutrients obtained from their diet at a faster rate than they are replacing them. Cancerous cells in the body of a child will steal away essential nutrients as long as they are living in the body, taking away from the nutrients healthy cells can use. Weight loss also occurs as a result of the affected individual's body utilizing fats for the production of useable cellular energy because no glucose is immediately available.

Learn more about the symptoms associated with childhood cancers now.