Children’s cancer does not discriminate against gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic levels. According to Cure Search for Children’s Cancer, 36 children are diagnosed with cancer every day and over 40,000 are treated for cancer every year. Although overall (considering all types of cancer) the children’s cancer survival rate has dramatically increased from 10% to 78% in the last 40 years, considerable research and treatment development is required to further progress toward even more positive prognoses. Raising awareness surrounding childhood cancers is an integral step towards that goal, and as September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, it is a good time to appreciate the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancers.
The most common children’s cancers are:
- Leukemia, or cancer of the blood, including Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Mylogenous Leukemia (AML);
- Lymphoma, or cancer of the immune system, including Hodgkin’s Disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; and
- Sarcomas (solid tumors), or cancer of the bones, organs or tissues, including brain tumors, thyroid cancer, neuroblastoma, melanoma, and germ cell tumors.
Treatment options for children’s cancers include: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, bone marrow or stem cell transplants, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. These treatments, though necessary, can adversely alter your child’s life at a time traditionally filled with youthful exuberance and activity. Hair loss, fatigue, digestive issues, nausea, mouth sores, weight gain and/or loss, anemia, or appetite problems should not be part of “having a childhood.”
Correct and timely cancer diagnosis is essential for a child with cancer to get the treatment they need in a timely manner; to increase the chances of a positive prognosis of survival. If you or your child is suffering from a cancer that a doctor misdiagnosed, failed to diagnose timely, or failed to treat, the experienced cancer misdiagnosis lawyers in New Jersey at Blume Forte can help you investigate and pursue potential legal claims surrounding that medical negligence. To discuss your potential claim, call us for a no-cost consultation at 973-845-4421.