Pediatric cancer is among the leading causes of death for children today. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "the most prevalent cancers seen in childhood are leukemia’s and brain and central nervous system cancer. Within the United States, these cancers account for the highest incidence and death rates among children today" (2014). Research shows genetic factors play a significant role in causing a variety of pediatric cancers. This paper will provide research and evidence linking genetic factors associated with frequently diagnosed childhood cancers. Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in children today. “ALL is considered to be a condition that arises
…show more content…
Children who suffer from cancer have many health needs when they are not hospitalized. These children not only need medical treatment outside the hospital, but also a great amount of emotional support. The community health nurse caring for any pediatric cancer patient must fulfill these needs for the patient. The community health nurse must educate his or herself on the specific disease processes. The genetic alternations found in pediatric cancer may make different treatment methods available for certain patients and the community health nurse should educate his or herself about this. The community health nurse should also educate the community, especially those who are planning a family, on the value of genetic testing. Just as pediatric cancer is a complex disease process, the role of the community nurse is complex when caring for these patients because of the multiple needs these patients and their families have. Overall, the community health nurse needs to provide education regarding cancer, advocate for appropriate health services and treatments in the community, provide emotional and physical support, and inform the community about the availability of genetic screening. Care for pediatric cancer patients in the community is multifaceted and the nurse needs to meet the variety of needs these patients and their families have in order to better serve the
Children who suffer from cancer have many health needs when they are not hospitalized. These children not only need medical treatment outside the hospital, but also a great amount of emotional support. The community health nurse caring for any pediatric cancer patient must fulfill these needs for the patient. The community health nurse must educate his or herself on the specific disease processes. The genetic alternations found in pediatric cancer may make different treatment methods available for certain patients and the community health nurse should educate his or herself about this. The community health nurse should also educate the community, especially those who are planning a family, on the value of genetic testing. Just as pediatric cancer is a complex disease process, the role of the community nurse is complex when caring for these patients because of the multiple needs these patients and their families have. Overall, the community health nurse needs to provide education regarding cancer, advocate for appropriate health services and treatments in the community, provide emotional and physical support, and inform the community about the availability of genetic screening. Care for pediatric cancer patients in the community is multifaceted and the nurse needs to meet the variety of needs these patients and their families have in order to better serve the