CHILDHOOD CANCERS

Although cancer is rare in children, it is still the leading cause of death by disease in children ages 1 to 14.

The most common childhood cancers include:

leukemia -- cancer of the blood
kidney cancer -- cancer in the kidneys
brain tumors -- tumors in the brain and central nervous system
bone cancer -- cancer of the bones
sarcoma -- abnormal growth (or tumor) of muscles and other soft tissues
lymphoma -- cancer of the lymph nodes

What causes these cancers in children is not known. Certain chemicals and viruses may foster the onset of some cancers. Heredity may be a factor in some cancers.

Medical treatment for cancer may require more than one therapy. Therapies include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The focus of cancer treatment centers on trying to slow and eventually kill abnormal cells while sparing healthy ones.

A surge of well-being, activity, and weight gain may occur once a child is cured. It is a dramatic change for the child and the family. Re-integrate the child into school and social activities with children of the same age as soon as possible. School performance is one of the best indicators of the child's ability to deal with the trauma resulting from the disease and treatment.

Children cured of cancer have an increased rate of developing a second cancer later in life. The risk depends on the type of cancer and how it was treated. Family history and the age of the child when first treated are also factors. Long-term follow-up health assessments are vital to these children; so are counseling and support groups because they assess a child's coping abilities and help the family readjust to a new lifestyle.

Candlelighter's Childhood Cancer Foundation is a national support organization. It provides support for children with cancer, their parents, and individuals in the pediatric oncology field. Local chapters are in all 50 states and 30 countries. They provide support groups for parents, funding for transportation, and send child cancer patients to special summer camps. Call (800) 366-2223 for more information and for the telephone number of the local chapter near you or visit their website at www.candlelighters.org.

Your local Ronald McDonald House can provide information about lodging for your child and family during cancer treatments.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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