Editor's
Note
The common feeling is that cancer is the disease of the aged, and children
have nothing to do with this disease. But in reality, not only can
cancer inflict the young, but also young children can have deep
emotional, social or economic impact from affliction with this disease
in a parent or a close family member. Additionally many cancers
arise out of habits, such as smoking, eating the wrong food and
lack of healthy habits & exercise. Since these habits are formulated
at a very young age, thus it is always right to catch them young
and teach the right habits that can beat cancer.
In
children 0-10 years of age leukemias and cancers of the brain &
nervous system are most common. Similarly in young adults, nasopharyngeal
cancer, lymphomas, leukemias, sarcomas and brain tumors can arise.
With rapid advances in Oncology, treatment of many such cancers
has been perfected to the extent that these kids can beat cancer
and live to adulthood. However they face some peculiar problems.
These may arise due to their developing anatomy & physiology
and evolving brain in contrast to a full-grown person. Facing a
classroom of friends, teachers or a peer group that is absolutely
naïve about cancer, can create many adjustment problems. Sometimes
ridicule or discrimination can turn these friends into foes.
In
this issue we focus on the young cancer survivors and how cancer
affects the young. Read on in this issue the first hand experience
of some young-cancer beaters: their tribulation with this grim disease
and how they succeeded. We also update NCC’s effort to improve
knowledge about cancer in children, through a variety of cancer
education and special programs directed at not only heightening
cancer awareness but directing the young members of our society
towards a healthier life-style.
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