Childhood cancer is rare, affecting less than one percent of the U.S. population. Children are more likely to develop certain types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma, whereas adolescents are more susceptible to bone cancer. According to Dr. Robin Miller at Kids Health.org, an online resource, childhood cancers are rarely genetically inherited, making prevention and diagnosis more difficult. The types of cancer that commonly affect children are often treated with chemotherapy, either as a primary treatment or in conjunction with treatments such as surgery and radiation. Because children do not have fully developed immune systems, the side effects of chemotherapy can be more prominent and visible.
Hair Loss
Children going through chemotherapy treatment often start to lose their hair one to three weeks after the first dose. The hair loss occurs rapidly and may fall out in large clumps. Oral and intravenous chemotherapy travel throughout the body, inhibiting all fast dividing cells, not just the cancer. This can be an especially traumatic part of treatment for children. Oregon Health and Sciences University suggests that parents work with their children to allow them a sense of control over the matter. Children may want to pick out their own scarves, hats and wigs to suit their own style and standards. Parents are also encouraged to reassure their children that their hair will grow back within a few months after the last treatment.
Bone Marrow Complications
Chemotherapy also affects children by slowing the activity inside the bone marrow. Blood cell production comes to a near complete stop and this weakens the immune system, causes fatigue, shortness of breath, bruising and increased bleeding. Macmillan Cancer Support, a cancer support charity, states that when blood cell production is low, children are especially susceptible to opportunistic infections. Children may require a blood transfusion to regain strength and proper immunity. Some clinics space the chemotherapy treatments every three to four weeks for the child's white blood cells to naturally replenish. One common childhood infection, chicken pox, creates a significant workload on white blood cells and the immune system. Parents should inform their health care providers to treat the viral infection, usually with oral acyclovir, an anti-viral medication.
The Digestive System
Chemotherapy also affects a child's digestive system. The digestive cells from the mouth to the bowel require constant turnover due to a never ending workload. Chemotherapy inhibits the natural production of new cells in the digestive system and this can cause several side effects. Children may have a dry sore mouth, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation and changes in the way food tastes. The Pediatric Oncology Resource Center suggests having children use anti-bacterial and anti-fungal mouthwashes. Children may also be prescribed antibiotics that prevent certain oral bacteria from reaching and infecting the heart, known as endocarditis. For nausea and vomiting, pediatricians often prescribe an antiemetic, which relaxes the parts of the brain and stomach that initiate vomiting.
