PEDIATRIC CANCER
No parent is prepared for the life-altering words, “Your child has cancer.” But research and treatment advances such as immunotherapy are dramatically improving quality of life and outcomes for children and teenagers diagnosed with blood cancers.
Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer (see Leukemia, page 6), and the majority of these diagnoses are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Regardless of the diagnosis, knowing where to begin and how to make the important decisions ahead may be overwhelming. These strategies can help you make a plan and move forward logically.
- Find a pediatric oncologist and/or treatment center. Treating children is different from treating adults because they aren’t just small adults. It’s essential to work with a pediatric oncologist experienced in treating blood cancers. If this involves travel and temporary lodging, some treatment centers and hospitals may offer no-cost or reduced-rate family accommodations. Check resources listed on the following page, or ask your nurse navigator for recommendations.
- Become a student of your child’s disease. Try to learn as much as possible about your child’s diagnosis and treatment options so you can effectively partner with your medical team to make shared decisions about care. Ask for their insight and informational resources, and research online on your own using listings in this guide (see Assistance & Support Resources, page 13).
- Consider a clinical trial. Children with cancer often receive treatment through clinical trials to access promising new treatments that aren’t otherwise available. Children younger than 18 cannot legally consent to participate, but your health care team can explain the trial using age-appropriate language and aids in an “assent” process similar to Informed Consent.
- Access supportive care services early. Supportive care helps the whole family maintain a good quality of life throughout your child’s treatment and beyond (see Supportive Care, page 10). Ask about it as soon as your child is diagnosed to help manage side effects and to learn about resources for play or music therapy, nutrition advice, counseling, programs for siblings, pediatric oncology camps, spiritual guidance and more.
Remember, your child takes cues from you. Think positively and do your best to forge ahead with confidence, and your child will likely do the same.