Young Adults with Cancer Face Unique Challenges
by Doug Ulman and Diana Ulman
In the natural course of life, young adults go forth with optimism, idealism, and a belief that they are indestructible. When they are robbed of that special perspective because of a life-threatening disease, they have a particularly difficult adjustment to make. There are issues that are very specific to young adults dealing with cancer.
Educational Challenges for Childhood Cancer Survivors
by Alma Morgan, MEd
Today, more than ever before, childhood cancer survivors are experiencing academic success. Many of these survivors are graduating high school with honors; attending colleges and universities of their choice; going to law school, medical school, receiving postgraduate and doctorate degrees; and entering the world of work in their chosen career paths. How is this possible?
Wigs for Kids®
For more than 27 years, Wigs for Kids® has provided thousands of custom-made hair replacement systems to children experiencing hair loss due to cancer, alopecia, burns, accidents, and other medical circumstances. In 2007, the number one reason for hair loss by children receiving wigs from Wigs for Kids was due to cancer.
The Late Effects of Treatment for Childhood Cancer
by Galit Rosen, MD, and Robert Goldsby, MD
One of the triumphs of modern medicine is the improved survival of children diagnosed with cancer. As recent as 50 years ago, childhood cancer was almost universally fatal. Now, with advances in medical and supportive care, most children with cancer will reach adulthood and be long-term survivors. As the number increases, it is becoming clear that the same cancer therapies (chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery) responsible for improved outcomes can have long-term consequences.
Childhood Cancer Survivorship
by Anne E. Kazak, PhD, ABPP
Having survived cancer as a child, or being a parent of a child who completed cancer treatment, is a welcome “destination” after a “journey” from diagnosis through treatment, with many experiences that affect not only the person with cancer but also the entire family. While the completion of cancer therapy is cause for celebration, ongoing psychological reactions to these experiences are common across members of the family over time. Our research in the Division of Oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is devoted to providing assessments and treatments that can help children with cancer and families with psychological symptoms over the course of treatment and beyond.