Cancer Symptoms: Spotting the Differences in Children vs. Adults

Wednesday - 10/09/2025 08:00

Cancer affects both children and adults, but symptoms vary. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Children often develop leukaemia or brain tumours. Adults are prone to breast or lung cancers. Symptoms in children can be subtle, leading to delayed diagnosis. Adult symptoms are more pronounced. Children generally respond better to treatment.

Understanding the differences in cancer symptoms between children and adults

Cancer can affect people of all ages, but its symptoms and progression often differ between children and adults. In children, signs may be subtle, such as unexplained lumps, persistent pain, fatigue, or frequent infections, making early detection more challenging. Adults may experience more obvious symptoms like unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, persistent pain, or unusual bleeding. Understanding these differences is essential for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Early recognition not only improves survival rates but also helps tailor treatment plans to the patient’s age and type of cancer, ultimately enhancing outcomes and quality of life.

How cancer symptoms differ in children and adults

Cancer manifests differently in children and adults, with variations in types, symptoms, progression, and treatment responses. Recognising these differences is essential for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. A study published in Nature highlights age-specific symptoms, such as squinting and limping, which were significant in children but not in adults

Types of cancer: Children are more likely to develop cancers like leukaemia, brain tumours, and neuroblastoma, while adults are more prone to cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers
Symptom presentation: Children's symptoms can be more subtle and nonspecific, often leading to delays in diagnosis. In contrast, adults may experience more pronounced symptoms that prompt earlier medical consultation.
Disease progression: Childhood cancers often grow rapidly, whereas adult cancers may develop more slowly.
Response to treatment: Children generally respond better to cancer treatments, but they may also experience different side effects and long-term health impacts

Childhood Cancer: Causes, Treatments & Cure: Expert Oncologist Speaks

Feature	Children	Adults
Common Types of Cancer	Leukaemia, brain tumours, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour	Breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, skin cancers
Symptom Presentation	Often subtle and nonspecific; can include lumps, fatigue, unexplained bruising, bone pain, persistent infections	More pronounced; includes unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, abnormal bleeding, changes in bowel/bladder habits
Growth and Progression	Often rapid and aggressive	May develop slowly over time
Response to Treatment	Generally responds better to therapy; risk of different long-term side effects	Treatment response can vary; often slower recovery and more side effects
Early Detection	Difficult due to subtle symptoms	Easier due to more obvious warning signs
Common Warning Signs	Lumps/swelling, bone pain, pale appearance, frequent infections, headaches, abdominal swelling	Weight loss, persistent pain, abnormal bleeding, skin changes, cough or hoarseness

Common cancer symptoms in children

In children, cancer symptoms can often be subtle and easily mistaken for less serious illnesses. According to Cancer Research UK, common signs to watch for include:

Unexplained lumps or swelling: These can appear anywhere on the body and may be painless.
Persistent pain: Especially back or bone pain that doesn't go away or wakes the child at night.
Unusual paleness and fatigue: These can be signs of anaemia or other blood-related issues.
Frequent infections: A weakened immune system can lead to recurrent infections.
Unexplained bruising or bleeding: This may indicate a blood disorder like leukaemia.
Headaches and vision problems: Persistent headaches or changes in vision can be symptoms of brain tumours.
Abdominal pain or swelling: This can be a sign of tumours in the abdomen or digestive system

It's important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to cancer and can be caused by various other conditions.

However, if they persist or worsen, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Common cancer symptoms in adults

In adults, cancer symptoms can also vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. The NHS outlines several general symptoms that may indicate cancer:

Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying can be a sign of several types of cancer.
Persistent pain: Ongoing pain that doesn't have an obvious cause.
Changes in bowel or bladder habits: This includes persistent constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in the stool or urine.
Unusual bleeding or discharge: This can include coughing up blood, blood in the urine, or abnormal vagina bleeding.
Skin changes: New moles or changes to existing moles, including bleeding or itching.
Persistent cough or hoarseness: A cough that doesn't go away or a hoarse voice can be signs of lung or throat cancer

As with children, these symptoms can be caused by various conditions, but if they persist, it's crucial to seek medical advice.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine or treatment.Also read | Atherosclerosis early signs in young adults linked to diabetes and obesity

Tags: early detection of cancer, cancer symptoms in children, cancer symptoms in adults, childhood cancer types, differences in cancer symptoms, responsive cancer treatment in children, adult cancer types

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