- Can you "catch" cancer?
No, you have nothing to fear from associating with young people being treated for cancer, and most will enjoy being with you and need your support. However, you may pose a danger for them. Some patients have to avoid your company or wear a mask in your presence so that they do not catch something from you if their cancer treatments have lowered their immunity.
- Why do kids get cancer?
Little is really known about what causes each of the various types of childhood cancer. So far, research has not been able to tell us why certain children develop cancer and others don’t.
- How is childhood cancer treated?
The treatment is based upon a number of factors; the type of cancer, the age of the child and the particular characteristics of the cancer. In general, cancer is treated with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
- Why do you lose your hair when you have cancer?
Most patients will experience some hair loss during their treatment. Most hair loss is temporary. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy affect rapidly dividing cells, such as the hair follicle. This causes the hair to fall out.
Hair will usually re-grow once therapy becomes less intense or is stopped. It is not uncommon for hair to re-grow a different texture or color than it was prior to therapy.
- How long is childhood cancer treatment?
Cancer treatment varies with the type of cancer, the age and sometimes the gender of the patient.
|