Childhood cancer and treatments
Childhood cancer and treatments |
| For a mental health professional, seeing ‘cancer’ within the context of a child’s referral can be an unfamiliar prospect. Although you do not have to be an expert in childhood cancer in order to address a child or families emotional wellbeing, it can be helpful to have a general idea of their diagnosis and the treatment regime that they are facing or have faced. It is important to recognise that generally a family will not expect you to be an expert in the oncology field. In fact, most families end up being their own experts in their child’s diagnosis and treatment, so always ask for clarification. For further information regarding specific information related to cancer and treatments click here. |
| Cancer treatment for children differs in many ways from treatment for adults, specifically in intensity and toxicity of medications, as well as their supportive care needs. It is important to remember that children are continuing to develop, and therefore the child’s developmental age will also impact on how their treatment is tolerated, and what late effects may occur. For further information regarding the differences between adult and paediatric cancer care click here to visit the National Cancer Institute (USA). |