The reasons for this significant inequity are: lack of information about early signs and symptoms of childhood cancer, late diagnosis, misdiagnosis, absence /weak referral systems, difficult access to care and treatment, catastrophic costs of treatment and medicines, weak health care systems and abandonment (i.e. discontinuance of treatment).
Should children be treated for cancer?
Though treatment has vastly improved in the last few decades, cancer never comes with a 100-percent guarantee for survival. Even with the most encouraging diagnoses, standard treatments cause short-term acute suffering that's often very hard on a child, and understandably, may prompt the young patient to question their safety.
Do children with cancer respond better to chemotherapy?
With some exceptions, childhood cancers tend to respond better to certain treatments, such as chemo. This might be because these cancers tend to grow quickly (and chemo works better against fast-growing cancers). Children’s bodies are also usually better able to recover from higher doses of chemotherapy than are adults’ bodies.
Why choose a Children's Cancer Center?
1 Often more than one type of treatment is used. With some exceptions, childhood cancers tend to respond better to certain treatments, such as chemo. 2 The cancer treatment team. Children with cancer and their families have special needs that can best be met at children’s cancer centers. 3 Getting the best treatment possible. ...
Why choose a pediatric oncologist for cancer treatment?
Because pediatric oncologists always recognize there's a possibility that a patient may resist treatment, many children's hospitals set up their health care practices to help their young patients feel as empowered as they can.
Are chemo patients toxic to children?
Patients who are receiving cancer medications pose no risk to children, pregnant women, or anyone else. Cancer treatment medications typically leave the body in urine, stool, and vomit for 48-72 hours after each treatment.
Can cancer treatment be harmful?
Some of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatment include pain and fatigue, anemia, mouth problems, nausea/weight change/dietary issues, and hair, skin and nail problems. Pain. The term “pain” describes a broad category of types of symptoms and it is common to all cancers and cancer treatments.
What impact does cancer have on children?
The most common cancers of children are:Leukemia.Brain and spinal cord tumors.Neuroblastoma.Wilms tumor.Lymphoma (including both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin)Rhabdomyosarcoma.Retinoblastoma.Bone cancer (including osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma)
What is the most significant impact of cancer treatment on children?
Hormone changes that result from damage to endocrine glands such as the pituitary can slow the child's growth, and may affect bones, height, and sexual development at puberty. Again, very young children are most likely to be affected. The slowing of growth is usually seen within 5 years of treatment.
What are 3 side effects of cancer treatments?
Side Effects of Cancer TreatmentAnemia.Appetite Loss.Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia)Constipation.Delirium.Diarrhea.Edema (Swelling)Fatigue.More items...
Does chemo shorten your life?
During the 3 decades, the proportion of survivors treated with chemotherapy alone increased from 18% in 1970-1979 to 54% in 1990-1999, and the life expectancy gap in this chemotherapy-alone group decreased from 11.0 years (95% UI, 9.0-13.1 years) to 6.0 years (95% UI, 4.5-7.6 years).
What does chemo do to a child?
Long-term side effects (late effects) can include damage to the heart, lungs, brain, nerves, kidneys, thyroid gland, or reproductive organs. Kids can also experience issues like delayed cognitive development, growth problems, or infertility.
What is the deadliest childhood cancer?
ATLANTA (Reuters) - Brain cancer is now the deadliest form of childhood cancer in the United States, surpassing leukemia as treatment advances have allowed doctors to cure many blood-related cancers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday.
Should I worry about my child getting cancer?
Cancer in children is not common, but it's important to have your child checked by a doctor if they have unusual signs or symptoms that do not go away, such as: An unusual lump or swelling. Unexplained paleness and loss of energy. Easy bruising or bleeding.
Does chemotherapy as a child cause infertility?
How Can Cancer Treatment Affect Fertility? Some cancer treatments can damage the testes or ovaries (reproductive organs). This can lead to temporary or permanent infertility (not being able to have children). Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery all can have lasting effects on reproductive health.