Although cancer is rare in children, it is still the leading cause of death by disease in children ages 1 to 14. Certain chemicals and viruses may foster the onset of some of them. Heredity may be a factor in some cancers. Medical treatment for cancer may require more than one therapy. Therapies include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Treatment is often hard on a child and their family.
The focus of cancer treatment centers on trying to slow and eventually kill abnormal cells while sparing healthy ones. A surge of well-being, activity, and weight gain may occur once a child is cured. It is a dramatic change for the child and the family. Re-integrate the child into school and social activities with children of the same age as soon as possible. School performance is one of the best indicators of the child's ability to deal with the trauma resulting from the disease and treatment.