Childhood Cancer

Abstract

Childhood cancers are uncommon, accounting for only 0.5% of all cancers in the UK. Approximately, 1500 children are diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year. Despite it being a rare occurrence, cancer still remains the largest cause of death in the 1–14 year age group, amongst whom it counts for 20% of all deaths. Although most adult cancers affect the lung, breast, bowel and prostate, the majority of childhood cancers are haematological and central nervous system (CNS) tumours. The primary care physician's role is vital across the disease trajectory, requiring them to recognize the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer, understand treatment, provide support to children and families, and finally consider the issues affecting survivors of childhood cancer.

The Effects of Music Therapy on Anxiety and Pain Symptoms of Children With Cancer

“…Although, it is the second most common of death for the general population, cancer is ranked at the first disease which is cause of death of children from late infancy through early adulthood (Bleyer, 1990). Research showed that 20 per cent of all death between 1 and 14 years old children is related to the childhood cancers (Smith & Phillips, 2012).…”