Oncology

The term “childhood cancer” encompasses a diverse group of diseases with a scope much different from the cancers that adults face. Childhood cancer is much less common than adult cancer with approximately 15,000 children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer each year. While cancer is a devastating diagnosis, tremendous strides have been made in improving the management of many childhood malignancies. Today approximately 85% of children diagnosed with cancer can expect to survive their disease. The most common cancers in childhood include leukemias, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms Tumor, bone tumors, and Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors. Treatment requires meticulous attention to the patient and entire family. Patients may experience complications in any organ system. Today, cancer in children is not a death sentence but rather a complex condition that requires a multidisciplinary team approach to ensure the best possible outcomes. Long-term follow-up of survivors is crucial.