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Cancer begins with the transformation of a single cell.
The malignant changes that occur in these renegade cells can cause several signs and symptoms, many of which mimic common childhood illnesses. Most cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed based on symptoms. Parents are usually the first to notice that something is wrong with their child. Occasionally, a diagnosis of cancer is based on chance findings during well baby visits to the pediatrician. Rarely, it is discovered accidentally on an x-ray done for other reasons.