Child Losing Skills They Already Learned?
When progress goes backwards: a child who loses skills already learned needs medical evaluation.
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Myth Busters · Childhood cancers
Childhood cancer myths,
answered with evidence.
పిల్లల్లో క్యాన్సర్ – అపోహలు, నిజాలు
Most childhood cancers are curable when found early, but their first signs look like everyday illnesses, so they are easy to miss. Most of the time, these signs turn out to be something common and harmless. This series explains the ten warning signs parents should know, what is normal, and when to see a doctor.
When to see a doctor
Signs to watch for
- A fever that lasts more than a week, or keeps returning without a clear cause
- Fever along with paleness, bruises or tiny red spots on the skin
- A child who stays tired and unwell even between fevers
Read more: A fever that keeps coming back is just another infection?
Sudden or severe symptoms need emergency care: go to the nearest emergency department or call 108.
10 myths · Updated October 2026
Watch
Watch Dr. Haritha explain
Short videos on childhood cancer by Dr. Haritha Chiramana. Every myth is also answered in writing below.
White Pupil in Your Child's Photo?
A white pupil in a child's photograph is not always a camera reflection. A white pupillary reflex needs prompt examination by an ophthalmologist.
Read the myth: A white glow in the eye in photos is just the camera flash? →Videos play from YouTube. General education only; they cannot replace an individual consultation.
Blood & general signs
Fever, paleness, bruising and weight
Myth #01 · Blood & general signs
A fever that keeps coming back is just another infection?
మళ్లీ మళ్లీ వచ్చే జ్వరం కేవలం ఇంకో ఇన్‌ఫెక్షనేనా?Most fevers are infections. But a fever that won't settle, or keeps returning with paleness, bruising or tiredness, needs a doctor's check.
Read the factsMyth #02 · Blood & general signsA pale, tired child just needs a tonic?
పాలిపోయి, అలసటగా ఉండే బిడ్డకు టానిక్ ఇస్తే చాలా?Unusual paleness and tiredness can mean anaemia, which has many causes, including leukaemia. A simple blood test finds the cause.
Read the factsMyth #03 · Blood & general signsBruises on a child are always from play?
బిడ్డ మీద కమిలిన మచ్చలు ఎప్పుడూ ఆటల వల్లేనా?Bruises on the shins and knees from play are normal. Bruises in unusual places, tiny red spots, or frequent bleeding need a blood test.
Read the factsMyth #04 · Blood & general signsA thin child is just a fussy eater?
సన్నగా ఉండే బిడ్డ కేవలం తిండి విషయంలో మొండిగా ఉంటుందా?Many children are picky eaters, but losing weight, or not growing as expected, is never normal in a child and needs checking.
Read the factsLumps & swelling
Lumps and a swollen tummy
Myth #05 · Lumps & swelling
A painless lump is nothing to worry about?
నొప్పి లేని గడ్డ గురించి ఆందోళన అవసరం లేదా?Most lumps in children are swollen glands from an infection. But a lump that keeps growing, feels firm, or doesn't go away needs checking, especially if it doesn't hurt.
Read the factsMyth #06 · Lumps & swellingA swollen tummy in a child is just gas or worms?
బిడ్డ కడుపు ఉబ్బడం కేవలం గ్యాస్ లేదా పురుగులేనా?Gas and worms are common, but a tummy that keeps getting bigger, or a firm lump in the tummy, needs to be checked by a doctor promptly.
Read the factsBones & joints
Bone and joint pain
Brain & nerves
Headaches, balance and development
Myth #09 · Brain & nerves
A child's headaches are just from screens or weak eyesight?
పిల్లల తలనొప్పులు కేవలం స్క్రీన్ల వల్లో, బలహీనమైన చూపు వల్లో వస్తాయా?Most headaches in children are not serious. But headaches that keep getting worse, are worst on waking, or come with vomiting need urgent attention.
Read the factsMyth #10 · Brain & nervesA child who suddenly becomes clumsy is just going through a phase?
హఠాత్తుగా తడబడే బిడ్డ కేవలం ఒక దశలో ఉందా?Children develop at different speeds, but new unsteadiness, weakness, or losing a skill they already had is never just a phase.
Read the factsHave a childhood cancer myth you'd like Dr. Haritha to answer? Send it on WhatsApp. Educational information is general and cannot replace an individualised clinical consultation.