A child ringing a cancer bell is a heartwarming moment, but it doesn’t show the entire journey of a child with cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 10 new immunotherapies and 20 molecularly targeted therapies to treat pediatric cancers in the last 10 years, according to the American Association for Cancer Research.
Understanding Survivorship
Many health care organizations define survivorship as beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing through treatment and beyond. This understanding recognizes that a child’s cancer journey is about more than reaching the end of treatment, but also includes managing long-term physical, emotional, and medical needs.
A survey commissioned by Hyundai Hope on Wheels found that 46% of U.S. adults believe that a child ringing a hospital bell after cancer treatment signifies the child is cancer-free and their medical journey is largely over. However, the reality is more nuanced, with many children facing long-term physical and psycho-social challenges due to their cancer and treatment.
The American Association for Cancer Research reports that children who survive cancer face several long-term physical and psycho-social challenges. These challenges may include planned surgeries, additional rounds of radiation, or other forms of medical treatment to address common physical challenges stemming from chemotherapy.
Progress in Pediatric Cancer
Despite the challenges, there is good reason to be hopeful. The survival rate among pediatric cancer patients has increased from 75% to 85% in nearly three decades, representing 40,000 more children surviving their cancer diagnosis. This progress is thanks to breakthrough science and technology, and higher standards of care.
Pediatric cancer research has led to new insights into cancer biology, clinical trials, and new drug development. More than 8 in 10 adults say they’re more likely to support organizations that fund survivorship services, which creates more opportunities to fund crucial research and support for children facing pediatric cancer.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
