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TYPES OF CANCER
Basic Cancer Overview
Cancer is the term used to describe many different diseases that
can affect the cells in the body. Normally, new cells in the body
are formed when healthy cells divide. Healthy cells know when to
stop dividing. Cancer cells are unable to stop growing and dividing.
When many cancer cells grow together, they form a tumor. Tumors
can crowd out or invade other organs and interfere with healthy
cell functioning in the body. Because there are so many cells and
organs in the body, there are approximately 150 different types
of cancer.
Children can get the same kinds of cancer adults get, but there
are some types that are more common among children. Below is information
about the most common types of childhood cancer and how each one can affect
children's experiences with school.
Leukemia
Leukemia, the most common childhood cancer, affects the body's
bone marrow. Bone marrow is the jelly-like material found in large
bones where blood cells are made. Blood is made up of white blood
cells, red blood cells, and platelets. When leukemia develops, the
bone marrow produces large numbers of immature white blood cells
that crowd out the healthy blood cells.
White blood cells keep the body healthy by fighting infections
and illnesses. With leukemia, the white blood cells produced by
the bone marrow are not strong enough to do their job. Fewer healthy
white blood cells in the body means children with leukemia are more
likely to get sick with infections and fevers. It is important for
you to find out from your child's teacher or school nurse
if there is a child with the flu, chickenpox, or other highly contagious
diseases in your child's class.
Children with leukemia will also have lower numbers of red blood
cells, which carry oxygen through the blood, so they may appear
pale and weak. Platelets, which clot the blood when there is a cut
or bruise, are also lacking in children with leukemia. You may want
to speak with your child's teacher or the director of the
school's physical education program about your child's
condition, and alert them to any special precautions they should
take to avoid injury to your child with leukemia.
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Brain or Central Nervous System Tumors
Tumors that develop in the brain are sometimes called central nervous
system tumors. As they grow, brain tumors can crowd out or invade
healthy brain tissue. Depending on where the tumor is located in
the brain, different functions can be affected by the growth of
the tumor, such as memory, learning, senses, emotions, and movement.
This can affect your child's school experience in many different
ways. You may feel more comfortable speaking with your child's
teacher or school nurse about this condition so that they are aware
of what to expect while your child is being treated.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system
is made up of lymph tubes and lymph nodes that are spread throughout
the body and keep the body healthy by filtering bacteria and other
harmful substances out of the blood. A lymphoma can develop in any
part of the lymphatic system, making it difficult for the body to
fight illness. As with leukemia, children with lymphoma are more
likely to get sick easily with infections and fevers. Try to establish
an open dialogue with your child's teacher or school nurse
so that you can be notified if there is a child with the flu, chickenpox, or other highly contagious diseases in your child's class.
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