Paediatric Cancer PDF

Paediatric Cancer Saturday, 7 September 2024 5:26 PM Understand what causes cancer in children - Typically not linked to lifestyle and environmental factors - which is what is typically seen in adulthood cancers - Most childhood cancers are not due to inherited DNA mutations - Possib...

Paediatric Cancer Saturday, 7 September 2024 5:26 PM Understand what causes cancer in children - Typically not linked to lifestyle and environmental factors - which is what is typically seen in adulthood cancers - Most childhood cancers are not due to inherited DNA mutations - Possibly due to acquired DNA mutations - unpredictable - Usually unknown - In terms of risk factors; only thing known may potentially be a risk of radiation exposure   Be aware of the common types of pediatric cancers, including leukemias, lymphomas, brain tumors, and solid tumors - Leukemia (most common type of cancer) - ALL and AML - Brain (highest mortality) - Neuroblastoma (develops in neuroblasts (adrenal glands or spinal cord)) - Sarcoma (affects bone and connective tissue) - Lymphoma - Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin   Be aware of common signs and symptoms that may be suggestive of childhood cancer Childhood cancers are rare, and as a result, there is no screening program put into place - Vary greatly but may include: - Unexplained lump/swelling - Sudden or unexplained weight loss - Unexplained paleness or fatigue - Easily bruises or bleeds - Recurrent headaches + vomiting - Sudden change to vision - Persistent pain to one area of the body - Unexplained and persistent fever/illness   Have a general understanding of the diagnosis and treatment options Diagnosis very similar to adults (staging also similar), depends on suspected cancer type: - Blood tests - Biopsies - Imaging - i.e. CT, MRI, PET, bone scan - Bone marrow aspirate - Lumbar puncture   Treatment options - Surgery (for solid tumors) - Radiation - Chemotherapy - Immunotherapy - Stem cell transplant - Clinical trials Be aware of the key differences in treatment when compared to the treatment of cancer in adults - No evidence base, consensus driven resource - Many treatments used are based on clinical trials - Treatments are often more successful - Intensive - Most children don't have comorbidities - Optimal organ function - Long-term complications are more concerning however Have an understanding of the long term complications that can arise when treating childhood cancers *(otherwise known as late effects)* - Mostly going to cover radiation and chemotherapy   Results from damage that the cancer treatment causes to healthy cells: - Cognitive impairment - Seizures - Vision problems and cataracts - Hearing loss - Thyroid dysfunction - Stunted growth - Heart disease - Lung problems - pneumonitis, infections, lung cancer - Sexual development - i.e. delayed puberty - Secondary cancers   Survivorship programs - Ongoing monitoring of late effects - Physical and psychological support