Holistic Care Approaches in Childhood Cancer: Focusing on Cancer and Oncology

Accelerate Understanding of Predisposition to Childhood Cancer

Childhood cancer is influenced by various factors, such as genetic mutations, family health history, and environmental conditions. However, most cancers develop by chance and are not hereditary, and thankfully, most children are considered healthy. In fact, a child may be the first in their family to have a genetic alteration that puts them at higher risk of cancer. This makes preventative approaches to childhood cancer challenging.

Better Understanding Predisposition

To advance this underserved area of pediatric cancer, we must bring a programmatic approach to preventative screening and research. Better understanding predisposition will enable care teams to innovate treatment options sooner. For example, CAR T-cell therapies are being applied to brain and spinal cord tumors.

Get Deliberate About Physiological, Psychological and Social Support

Holistic care treats the patient as an individual, addressing emotional, psychological, social, and physiological needs. Holistic care can assist with managing pain and increasing long-term survivorship. Organizations can contribute to more diverse care teams, which should include mental health specialists.

Integrating Multidisciplinary Support

It's time to integrate multidisciplinary support into pediatric oncology. This includes mental, nutritional, and lifestyle treatments.

Reimagine Survivorship and Care Transition into Adulthood

While the 5-year survival rate for pediatric cancer patients has reached 83% to 88%, challenges may arise during the transition to adulthood. To combat this, we must develop new approaches ensuring that patients not only survive, but thrive.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition

The GREAT Survivorship Clinic provides a smooth handoff from pediatric to adult care, emphasizing patient communication and family connections.

The Road Ahead

The fight against childhood cancer continues with a focus on multidisciplinary and comprehensive care. By acknowledging predisposition factors, incorporating holistic care, and assisting with transitions into survivorship, we can ensure that childhood cancer patients thrive in the future.