Information for Kids
Childhood Cancer FAQs
What is cancer?
Cancer is a disease that affects the cells in your body. Cancer cells grow out of control and do not work properly. There are different types of cancer. When the cancer cells form a mass, this is called a tumor. If the cancer cells affect the blood cells, this is known as leukemia. Children get different types of cancers than adults; So the treatment may be different. The doctor will order tests to help diagnose the type of cancer. These tests may include: blood work, scans, x rays, biopsies, bone marrow and/or spinal taps.
Can you catch cancer from someone?
No! Absolutely not. Cancer is not contagious, you can not catch it from someone like a cold or flu.
Did the person do anything wrong to get cancer?
No! Children do not cause their cancer. Researchers are working very hard to find the causes of cancer. We may not know the exact mechanism at present. But we do know that certain factors are associated with the development of cancer. For example, smoking is linked to lung cancer and prolonged sun exposure is linked to skin cancer. We know by avoiding smoking and protecting our skin from harmful rays, these cancers may be prevented.
Can you play with someone who has cancer?
Yes! You absolutely can! Children that have cancer want to continue to do the things they enjoy. Friends are very important. Some days they may not feel up to it or may be in the hospital, but it is important to remember that your friend is still your friend. You can call them on the phone or write a letter or e-mail.
How do you treat cancer?
The type of cancer will determine the therapy. Some children may have surgery, an operation to remove the cancer. Some children may receive strong medicines, called chemotherapy, to fight the cancer. Some children may receive treatments with a high beam of energy, called radiation, to destroy the cancer. Some children may receive these treatments in combination.
Do you think going back to school would be easy for a child with cancer?
No, it may not be easy to return to school. The child may look and feel different. There are things you can do to make it easier! Try to make the child feel welcome. Help carry their school bag (if they will let you). Tell classmates not to tease. Treat the child just like your other friends. School re-entry programs can be given to the class and/or teachers to help prepare for the child's return.
Words You May Hear at the Hospital
People in the Hospital
Doctors
This includes different types of people who are working to help children or adults stay healthy or get better. They have special training in medicine and how to treat different parts of the body. You will meet a lot of doctors.
Pediatrician
This type of doctor specializes in the care of children. They see children for check ups, immunizations, and when you are not feeling well.
Hematologist
This doctor specializes in diseases and disorders that are related to the blood.
Oncologist
This type of doctor specializes in treating different types of cancers.
Pathologist
This type of doctor studies diseases of the body. They use microscopes to study cells and tissues of the body to help make a diagnosis.
Radiologist
These doctors use x-rays and other scanning techniques to obtain images of your body.
Pediatric Oncology Nurse
This is a medically trained professional that cares for children when they are sick. They may start IV's, access ports and draw blood. They can assist with procedures and they can give medications such as antibiotics, chemotherapy and blood transfusions.
Lab Technician
This is a person that will help with various diagnostic(finding out) tests like Bloodwork, Scans and X-rays to name a few.
Dietician
This is a person who carefully plans meals that help a person when they are in the hospital. Some people can not eat sugar or must limit their salt so special care is taken in planning their menu. Most hospitals want the patient to choose. Chicken nuggets or pizza? Which one would you like?
Social Worker
This person is there to help families. Sometimes they can help you or your parents understand what is going on. Someone to talk to about transportation or medical bills. They have resources for camps and special programs in the community.
Psychologist
This is another helping person. They help you with your feelings. You may be upset about a new diagnosis...you may be mad at everyone, you may not want to talk, you may cry, these are all normal feelings. They can help sort out these feelings.
Child Life Specialist
These are helping people too. Their job is to help you cope better with being in the hospital. They provide activities to help the time pass. They also teach kids about what to expect in the hospital and can help support you when you are feeling afraid or nervous. You can usually find them in the playroom.
Chaplain
This is another helping person. They provide spiritual help to the patient and family. Different religions are represented and can be called when needed.
Laboratory Test Terms
Bone Marrow Test/Aspiration
This is a test that takes fluid from the bone marrow. The blood cells from the test are then looked at under a microscope.
Bone Marrow Biopsy
This is a test that takes a tiny piece of bone for your doctor to look at.
Spinal Tap
This is a procedure that takes fluid from your spinal canal to see if there are cancer cells in the central nervous system. This is a way to also tell if the cancer is under control or in remission. It is also a way to give chemotherapy.
CBC
Complete blood count..numbers of different cells in the blood.
Unusual Sounding Blood-Related Words
Red Blood Cells
They are the most numerous of the cells in the body. They are in charge of transportation. They are filled with hemoglobin which helps them carry Oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body and back again.
White Blood Cells
These are the warriors and the defenders of the body.They go where they are needed to kill and digest harmful infections.
Platelets
One of those counts in the CBC.Platelets are small cells found in the blood. Their job is to help control bleeding, they help with clotting.
Neutrophils
Also called granulocytes, are white blood cells which protect the body from bacterial and fungal infections.
Plasma
This is the liquid part of the blood.
Petechiae (pa-teak-key-i)
These are small red dots under the skin, they look like red freckles.
Anemia
This is a condition that happens when the red blood count or hemoglobin is low. This information is obtained from a CBC or complete blood count. When this happens you may feel tired. The doctor may order a blood transfusion.
Blood Transfusion
This is the "transfer" of red blood cells or a part of the blood from one person to another person. You may receive what is commonly known as packed red blood cells or a platelet transfusion.
