Pediatric Oncology

Introduction

Did you know that kids can get cancer, just like adults? Cancer happens when cells in the body grow out of control, and sometimes this happens to children. But the good news is, there are special treatments for kids with cancer that can help them get better. 

What Is Pediatric Oncology?

Pediatric oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on treating cancer in children. “Pediatric” means kids, and “oncology” is the study of cancer. Doctors who specialize in pediatric oncology are called pediatric oncologists. They are experts in treating children who have different types of cancer, like leukemia (a cancer of the blood) or brain tumors.

How Are Childhood and Adult Cancers Different?

Cancer in kids is different from cancer in adults in many ways. For one, the types of cancer that kids get are usually different. Adults might get cancers like lung or colon cancer, but children often get cancers like leukemia or brain tumors.

What Are the Side Effects of Treatment?

Like adults, children who receive cancer treatment may feel sick or tired. These are called side effects. Kids might feel very sleepy, lose their hair, or feel nauseous. But don’t worry! Doctors and nurses help manage these side effects. They give special medicines to help kids feel better and more comfortable. Have you ever felt really tired after a long day at school? Imagine feeling tired all the time because of treatment. That’s what many kids with cancer go through, but with the right care, they can feel better.

How Does Cancer Affect Kids Emotionally?

Getting cancer is not just hard on the body; it can be tough on the heart too. Kids might feel scared, sad, or worried about missing school or not being able to play with their friends. It’s important for them to talk to people they trust, like their parents, doctors, or counselors, to help them feel better. Did you know that many hospitals have playrooms where kids can meet other kids going through the same thing? It’s a way for kids to make new friends and not feel so alone. 

How Can Families Help?

Cancer affects the whole family, not just the child who is sick. Moms, dads, and siblings may feel worried or stressed too. Families need to work together to support each other. Many hospitals have support groups where families can meet and talk about their feelings. For example, one parent might stay with the child at the hospital while the other one looks after siblings at home. Together, they help each other through the tough times.

The Bright Side: Many Kids Beat Cancer

While cancer can be scary, many kids get better after treatment. Thanks to advances in medicine, more and more children are surviving cancer and growing up to live healthy, happy lives. Doctors and scientists are always working on better treatments to help even more children in the future. So, if you or someone you know is going through cancer treatment, remember: there is hope! With the right treatment and a lot of support, many kids are able to overcome cancer and go back to doing the things they love.

References

Childhood cancer. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://amp.cancer.org/cancer/childhood-cancer.html

Childhood cancers. NCI. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers

Childhood cancers. St. Jude together. (n.d.). https://together.stjude.org/en-us/conditions/cancers.html