Children battling cancer not only face the health effects of the cancer itself, but they also face short- and long-term side effects. During treatment, typical therapies like chemotherapy and radiation can compromise a child’s immune system, putting them more at risk for illnesses like COVID-19. Why is it important to protect children with cancer? Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplantation and other therapies can weaken the immune system. Chemotherapy drugs, in particular, damage or destroy the cells inside the bone marrow, lowering the number of white blood... Read More
The Childhood Cancer Blog
Welcome to The Childhood Cancer Blog
from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation!
Every day, everywhere, children are diagnosed with cancer. Right now, children are in hospitals receiving frontline treatment following a diagnosis. Other children are beginning a clinical trial following a relapse. Still others face long-term side effects from their treatment.
As these children fight for their lives, researchers, families and other supporters are working hard to raise awareness about the need to find safer treatments and more cures.
Here are the 10 facts you need to know about childhood cancer:
1. In the U.S., 43 children are diagnosed with... Read More
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, talking to their siblings and young friends can seem very intimidating. However, educating other children about the diagnosis can help foster a supportive and encouraging environment for the diagnosed child, while also helping friends and siblings who may also be confused and scared.
It is essential for children to receive honest, age-appropriate information. Children who are not given the facts will often invent worst-case scenarios. Talking about cancer in a way they understand can decrease the likelihood of misunderstandings.
Here... Read More
