Screening for childhood malignancy.

ABSTRACT

Screening for childhood primary malignancy is not a routine practicable issue, due to the rarity of the disease, the absence of specific indicators and the largely unknown causes of childhood cancer. Genetic predisposition may account for as much as 4% of childhood cancer; environmental factors are though to play a smaller role than in the aetiology of adult malignancy gene-environment interactions could well be important in the induction of malignant disease. Although knowledge about childhood cancer continues to increase, there is much work to be accomplished before reliable preventative measures and screening programme can be recommended. Epidemiologic studies have provided important clues to the etiology of childhood cancer; further insights may be possible by incorporating genomic technology into epidemiologic studies to evaluate cancer susceptibility and to identify high risk children population for cancer. Since second malignancies remain a significant threat to the health of survivors treated for cancer during childhood, vigilant screening is important for those at risk.