September 26, 2023
Childhood Cancer
Childhood is a time of laughter, fun, and imagination. However, thousands of children and their families may face the challenges of childhood cancer. So in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we will cover the basics of childhood cancer.
Childhood Cancer
Types of Cancer in Children:
Cancer happens when some of the body’s cells grow without our body’s natural restraint and can spread to other parts of the body. These cancers in children can start in any part of the body.
The most common types of childhood cancer are leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells) and brain tumors (cancer in the part of the brain that controls coordination). These account for 60% of all childhood cancers. There are other cancers that arise in the adrenal gland (neuroblastomas), kidneys (Wilms tumors), lymph nodes, and immune system (lymphoma).
Treatment and Support
Medicine has advanced a lot. There are tools that doctors use to treat children with cancer, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, gene therapy, and more. These treatment plans are specific to the child, the tumor, and the needs of the child and their family.
It is not always easy, and there can be times when kids feel a bit sick or tired. It is very important that while our children are fighting their illnesses, they get lots of love and care from their families and the hospital staff.
Helping Our Superheroes
We can be our superheroes’ best friend by supporting them while they are fighting their cancer. We can draw pictures, write cards, or just be there to talk and listen. Small acts of kindness mean a lot to someone going through a tough time.
Families and friends can also help donate to places that focus on childhood cancer research!
We can help kids with cancer by learning about it, giving them help, and pushing for more research and money. This way, we can make a real change in the lives of these strong kids fighting cancer. If we work together, we can bring hope and happiness to those going through this tough time.
Sources:
https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer-in-children