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Childhood Cancer Survivorship: What You Need To Know
Childhood Cancer Survivorship
Childhood cancer survivorship is a journey. It starts at diagnosis and continues throughout life. Survivorship means different things to different people, but in general, it refers to the health and well-being of a person after treatment.
Cancer treatments save lives. Yet they can also cause problems later on. These are called late effects. They may include heart or cognitive issues, second cancers, or psychosocial challenges. Risk for late effects varies by patient and depends on factors like age at diagnosis, type of cancer, and type of treatment received.
As survivors grow older, follow-up care remains crucial. This involves regular doctor visits that focus on the long-term impact of cancer therapy—referred to as long-term follow-up (LTFU). During LTFU visits doctors monitor for recurrence and manage late effects if they occur.
Education plays an essential role in this process too! Survivors need information about their past treatment and potential risks moving forward so they can advocate for their own health needs effectively.
Remember: Survivorship isn’t just about living longer; it’s about living well!
Prevalence of Childhood Cancers
Childhood cancers are relatively rare. They represent less than 1% of all new cancer diagnoses, according to the American Cancer Society. This means that out of every 100 people diagnosed with cancer, only one is a child.
However, their impact cannot be underestimated. Childhood cancers are the second leading cause of death in children aged 5-14 years old after accidents in the United States. The most common types include leukemia (blood cell cancers) and brain or central nervous system tumors.
Each year, around 15,000 children under age 20 receive a cancer diagnosis in the U.S., as per National Cancer Institute data. Globally, this figure rises to about 300,000 kids each year according to World Health Organization estimates.
Cancer incidence rates vary by age group among children and adolescents. Younger children are more likely to suffer from certain types such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor while older ones have higher incidences of Hodgkin lymphoma and germ cell tumors.
Remember: Early detection is key for better prognosis in many cases - regular medical check-ups can help ensure early identification if any suspicious symptoms arise.
Common Childhood Cancers
Childhood cancer is a general term for a range of cancer types that occur in children. Leukemia and cancers of the brain and central nervous system account for more than half of childhood cancers. Leukemia, often acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML), affects white blood cells and hampers their proper functioning.
Brain tumors, on the other hand, are typically found in areas such as the cerebrum or the posterior fossa. Other common forms include neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, retinoblastoma and bone cancer including osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.
Neuroblastomas originate from developing nerve cells with most cases being in adrenal glands located on top of kidneys. Wilms tumor impacts one or both kidneys; it's usually seen in kids aged three to four years old. Hodgkin's disease influences lymph nodes but is rare before adolescence.
Rhabdomyosarcomas affect muscles attached to bones while retinoblastomas impact eyes mostly impacting kids under five years old. Bone cancers like osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma generally appear during 'growth spurts' typical during adolescent periods.
All these kinds are severe health threats but advancements have been made over time through clinical trials aimed at improving survival rates via new treatments strategies.
Late Effects of Treatment
Late effects of treatment refer to health issues that occur months or years after the completion of medical treatment. These problems can affect any body system and vary from patient to patient.
Physical late effects can include fatigue, pain, neuropathy (nerve damage causing weakness, numbness), cardiac disease, lung disease, and osteoporosis among others. Cognitive late effects, affecting thinking and memory skills, may also present themselves. This includes difficulties with concentration or multitasking.
Patients should keep their healthcare team informed about any new symptoms they experience even long after the end of treatment. Regular follow-up care is essential for early detection and management of these late effect complications. Patients are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle which often helps in mitigating some of these effects.
Remember, knowledge empowers you as a patient! Understanding what might come post-treatment aids in your preparedness for it.
Heart and Lung Problems
Heart and lung problems are common in today's world. They often go hand-in-hand. Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide whilelung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, affect millions.
Heart Problems
Your heart pumps blood to all parts of your body. If it isn't working well, you feel weak or tired. Common issues include coronary artery disease (blockages), arrhythmias (irregular beats) and heart failure (pumping issues). Risk factors for these conditions include smoking, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and age.
Clinical trials are crucial in understanding these health concerns better. They help test new drugs or procedures that might be more effective than current treatments.
Lung Problems
Lungs let us breathe air in and out. Diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma can make breathing difficult. Symptoms may include coughing up mucus or feeling shortness of breath after little activity.
Like with heart problems, clinical trials play a big role here too. They push the boundaries of our knowledge about these diseases.
In conclusion: if you have symptoms related to the heart or lungs see your doctor right away! Participate in research if possible – it might not only help you – but future generations too!
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Second Cancers Risk
A second cancer is a new primary cancer. It happens in someone who has had cancer before. It's not the same as recurrence, which is when the same type of cancer comes back after treatment.
Risk Factors
Genetics and family history often play roles in second cancers. Some genes make you more susceptible to certain types of cancers. If these genes are present in your family, your risks may increase.
Treatment for your first cancer can also be a risk factor. Radiation therapy and certainchemotherapy drugs are known to raise the risk of developing some types of second cancers years or even decades later.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, alcohol use, and sun exposure can contribute too.
Prevention
Regular screening helps detect second cancers early on when they're most treatable. Participating in clinical trials could offer access to newer treatments that might reduce the risk further.
Making lifestyle changes can help too: quit smoking if you do; maintain a nutritious diet; limit alcohol intake; protect yourself from excessive sun exposure.
It's important not just to live longer but healthier after surviving a first bout with cancer.
Cognitive Issues Post-Treatment
Cognitive issues often follow medical treatment. These are changes in mental skills. They might include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or trouble with multitasking.
Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) is one cause. It's also known as "chemo brain." Symptoms can last for a short time or years after treatment ends. Some people experience mild symptoms like forgetting names. Others have severe effects that impact daily life.
Doctors don't fully understand why this happens yet. Research is ongoing to find more answers and better treatments. Meanwhile, it's crucial to share any cognitive changes you notice with your healthcare team promptly.
Clinical trials offer another avenue to explore these issues further and seek solutions collectively.
Emotional Impact Post-Treatment
Emotional upheaval often follows treatment completion. It's a common experience. Patients may feel relief, fear, or anxiety. These feelings are normal.
Relief relates to the end of demanding treatments. Fear and anxiety center on concerns about recurrence or future health issues. Emotional distress also surfaces as patients adjust to changes in their physical appearance and functioning post-treatment.
Support is crucial during this period. That includes professional mental health services, support groups, and open communication with loved ones. Self-care practices like exercise, healthy eating, relaxation techniques can be beneficial too.
In conclusion, understanding these emotional impacts helps you better navigate your post-treatment journey. Always remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but strength.
Infertility Due to Treatment
Certain medical treatments can cause infertility. Infertility means you cannot get pregnant (conceive). Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy for cancer, or some surgeries can result in this.
Chemotherapy affects both the ovaries and the eggs. It may stop ovulation - the release of an egg from an ovary. Radiation therapy to your pelvic area can harm reproductive organs. These damages can be temporary or permanent.
Sometimes surgery is needed to treat a disease such as cancer. If this involves removing reproductive organs, it results in permanent infertility.
Each treatment has different effects on each person's fertility potential. Age also plays a significant role here. Younger bodies tend to recover better from these harsh treatments than older ones do.
Doctors consider many factors before suggesting any treatment that could lead to infertility. They discuss all possible side-effects with their patients beforehand so they know what might happen.
Long-term Follow-up Care
Long-term follow-up care is crucial after a clinical trial. Doctors monitor your health during this period. They look for side effects from the treatment or study drug.
This care involves regular medical checkups. These include physical exams and lab tests. Check-ups allow doctors to spot any late side effects. Late side effects may occur months or years after treatment ends.
The frequency of these visits varies per individual. It depends on the type of trial and the person's health condition. Regular communication with healthcare providers ensures better long-term care management.
In conclusion, long-term follow-up care plays a vital role in maintaining your health post-trial. Always stay proactive in communicating with your medical team about any concerns you might have during this period.