Pediatric Oncology
Pediatric oncology is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating cancer in children and teens. It requires healthcare providers to have special knowledge of the unique medical, emotional, and developmental needs of young cancer patients. Here are some key points about pediatric oncology:
- Pediatric oncology is needed when a child or teen is diagnosed with cancer. Childhood cancers are different from adult cancers. They often involve different types of cancer and fewer changes in genes. Research shows that childhood cancers usually have fewer genetic changes and are often caused by a change in a single gene mutation that can lead to cancer.
- The healthcare team includes pediatric oncologists (doctors who treat cancer in children), nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other professionals who work together to give complete care.
The services provided by pediatric oncology include:
- Diagnosis: Pediatric oncologists use different tests to diagnose cancer. These may include blood tests, imaging studies, taking small tissue samples (biopsies), and checking bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that makes blood cells.
- Treatment: Pediatric oncologists make personalized treatment plans based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the child's age and health. Options may include surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells, immunotherapy to help the immune system fight cancer, targeted therapy to stop cancer growth, or stem cell transplants to replace damaged bone marrow.
- Supportive care: Pediatric oncology teams help manage the side effects of cancer treatment and improve the quality of life for young patients. This may include pain management, help with nutrition, counseling, and help with returning to school.
- Survivorship and long-term care: After treatment, pediatric oncology teams continue to care for childhood cancer survivors. They check for long-term effects of treatment and help manage any future health issues.
- Access to care: Getting cancer care for children can sometimes be difficult, especially for families who live far away from big cities. Specialized cancer care is usually found in large hospitals, like those connected to universities, children’s hospitals, or cancer treatment centers in cities. Things like distance, how long it takes to travel, and whether these services are available nearby can make it harder for families to get the care their child needs.
To find or access pediatric oncology services:
- Start by talking with your child's primary care provider. This could be a pediatrician, family doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. They can help you find a cancer specialist for children or connect you to a cancer center that treats children.
- You can also contact local hospitals or medical centers to ask if they offer pediatric oncology services.
- Use online resources from trusted organizations such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) or the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) to find cancer centers near you that specialize in treating children.
Remember to always consult with your child's healthcare provider for personalized advice and help based on your child’s specific needs.
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