Confronting childhood cancer Knowing the risks can help parents assess a child’s vulnerability. By Dr. Michelle F.
Rodriguez When confronted with the thought of illness, our natural response is fear. This becomes even more unpleasant when we start thinking, what if my kid gets cancer? For some, that distressing idea becomes a distressing reality. Seemingly dark, this can be confronted when we turn our fear into hope, guided by love, courage, faith, and science.
Dealing with the diagnosis The World Health Organization estimates 400,000 children from zero to 19 years old develop cancer annually. Common cancers include leukemia, brain, lymphomas, and solid tumors. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in battling the disease, with 80 percent survival rate among children.
Some parents are hesitant to begin treatment with the misconception that it will weaken the kids. We tell them it’s the opposite. Delaying a procedure or therapy takes away more opportunities to love, grow, learn, dream, succeed, and live happy well-lived lives.
Children are very resilient. They do very well with treatments. Treating childhood cancer Treatment depends on the diagnosis, making the correct identification of the issue important.
A typical regimen includes either chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, or a combination of these. The Asian Cancer Institute at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center offers cancer patients, including children, a sanctuary. We provide warriors the best integrative.