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Ashlyn Cassity
Mr. Swanson
Emerging Technologies
19 May 2014
Childrens Cancer

Childrens cancer is one of the most pressing issues in todays society. Survivors of
childhood cancer often times have critical health complications later in life and suffer from post-
traumatic stress disorder. During the cancer and treatment itself the children are very sick and
dont always survive. Its not just the child you have to worry about, their family suffers too. This
problem must be addressed.
Even after the cancer is gone, survivors of childhood cancer still face serious threats.
Survivors of childhood cancer are eight times more likely to have sever health problems that
their siblings. They could have a second cancer, heart attacks, even problems with learning and
memory. 20% of adults who survived childhood cancer have post-traumatic stress disorder. It is
even more common for parents of child cancer survivors to show PTSD. Of the children
diagnosed with cancer 22% will die.
Children struggling with cancer have to suffer through horrible emotional and physical
trials every day. The symptoms of the cancer itself can be but are not limited to pain,
weakness, fatigue, fever, bleeding, weight loss, headaches, vomiting, and nausea. The
treatments for cancer also have very uncomfortable side effects. Some Side effects of radiation
therapy are hair loss in the area being treated, nausea, vomiting, swelling, and trouble
swallowing. Chemotherapy also has side effects including pain, headaches, fatigue, throat and
mouth sores, vomiting, nausea, blood disorders, cognitive complications, nervous system
problems, hair loss, and long term side effects. Children diagnosed with cancer can also
become depressed.
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A child being diagnosed with cancer can also have great effects on their family. Spouses
could have complications in their relationship. Family members and friends may distance
themselves. Treatment is costly and can have a great effect on the family. Not only are families
paying for treatment but also must pay for transportation to the treatment facilities and a place to
stay. Often times parents lose their jobs because they are so stressed and busy from dealing
with the sick child. Many parents also develop PTSD.
Childrens cancer is one of the largest problems in todays society. These children and
their families suffer so much. The treatment they go through is difficult, uncomfortable, and
doesnt always work. You can help by donating to foundations or volunteering to help. Also ask
congress to improve the financial aid given to families paying for cancer treatment.
















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Works Cited
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Klemesrud, Judy. "CHILDHOOD CANCER: HOW IT AFFECTS FAMILIES." The New York Times.
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