Treatments For Childhood Cancer

It's not common for cancer to develop in children, but cancer is the second leading cause of death in young children living in developed countries. Finding out your child has cancer can sometimes feel like living a nightmare, but it's still important to understand treatment options and the typical procedure going forward.

Cancer treatment should be both physical and psychological. The physical treatments target the cancer cells, but the mental treatments help uplift the child. Fighting cancer is exhausting, and it's common for kids to get tired, so an upbeat attitude is essential. Do everything in your power to make your child happy. This brief overview of treatment options and methods can help you make decisions going forward.

Chemotherapy And Radiation

Chemotherapy and radiation are two of the main methods used to fight cancer cells. The former uses drugs that can destroy cancer cells with the goal of ending the ability of the cells to divide and grow. Chemotherapy treatments are administered by pediatric hematologist-oncologists, who are trained to treat a child's cancer through the use of medication. However, there are a few possible side effects of chemotherapy, such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, hair loss, nausea, and vomiting.

Radiation uses targeted x-rays and other targeted rays for the destruction of cancer cells. Radiation oncologists are the doctors who specialize in radiation therapy techniques. If a doctor can avoid using radiation, however, they should, as it might damage the healthy organs and tissues in a child. It also increases the risk that a child will develop another cancer. The side effects of radiation therapy include loose bowel movements, an upset stomach, mild skin reactions, and overall fatigue.

Continue for the next pair of treatments for childhood cancers.