Journal of Preventive Medicine

Description

Pediatric oncology is a specialized field of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancers that affect children and adolescents. Childhood cancer encompasses a diverse group of malignancies that differ from cancers that occur in adults in terms of biology, treatment approaches and outcomes. Pediatric oncologists play a critical role in providing comprehensive care to young patients with cancer, addressing their unique medical, emotional, and psychosocial needs while striving to achieve the best possible outcomes. Childhood cancer is relatively rare compared to adult cancers, accounting for less than 1% of all cancer cases worldwide. However, it remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children and adolescents, with cancer being the leading cause of death by disease among children aged 1-19 years in many countries. The most common types of childhood cancer include leukemia’s, brain tumors, lymphomas, neuroblastomas, Wilms tumors and sarcomas, although there are many other less common types as well.

Pediatric oncologists

Diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer require a multidisciplinary approach involving pediatric oncologists, pediatric surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other allied healthcare professionals. The diagnostic process often begins with a thorough medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies, followed by tissue biopsy and laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease. Once a diagnosis is established, a comprehensive treatment plan is developed based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's age, overall health, and individual preferences. Treatment modalities for childhood cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation, either alone or in combination. The goal of treatment is to achieve complete remission, cure the cancer, and minimize the risk of recurrence while preserving organ function and minimizing treatmentrelated toxicities. Pediatric oncologists carefully monitor patients throughout treatment, adjusting therapy as needed based on response to treatment and any side effects experienced. Pediatric oncology have led to significant improvements in survival rates for many childhood cancers. The overall five-year survival rate for childhood cancer in high-income countries is now around 80%, with some types of cancer having even higher survival rates. However, challenges remain, particularly for children with relapsed or refractory disease, as well as those in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to cancer care services.

Medical care

In addition to medical care, pediatric oncology emphasizes the importance of providing holistic care that addresses the emotional, psychosocial and developmental needs of young patients and their families. Coping with a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment can be emotionally challenging for children and their families, leading to feelings of fear, anxiety, depression and uncertainty. Pediatric oncologists work closely with psychologists, social workers, child life specialists and other support staff to provide emotional support, counseling and resources to help patients and families cope with the challenges of cancer treatment. Furthermore, pediatric oncology emphasizes the importance of survivorship care for children who have completed cancer treatment. Childhood cancer survivors may face long-term health issues related to their cancer and its treatment, including physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, secondary cancers and psychosocial challenges. Survivorship care focuses on monitoring for late effects of treatment, addressing ongoing medical and psychosocial needs, promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and facilitating the transition to adult healthcare services as survivor’s transition into adulthood. In conclusion, pediatric oncology is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to children and adolescents with cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, pediatric oncologists strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for young patients while minimizing the long-term effects of cancer treatment. Continued research, collaboration, and advocacy are essential for advancing the field of pediatric oncology and improving outcomes for children with cancer worldwide.