Impact of Chemotherapy and Radiation on Child Development

Impact of Chemotherapy and Radiation on Child Development 

Overview

There are several different kinds of cancer. Each cancer progresses in the same way. Cancer cells divide and multiply much faster than healthy normal cells. However, cancer cells are uncontrollable and can lead to masses of cancer cells called tumors. Cancer cells invade and take over healthy cells. The healthy cells can no longer carry out their job as the cancer cells have taken over. In order to cure cancer, a child must go through treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy (Cancer.org,2014).

''Types of Cancer Treatment''

Chemotherapy is medicine that can reduce and destroy cancer cells. Children can receive chemotherapy medication orally or intravenously (through a person’s vein). Radiation is another method used to get rid of cancer cells. Radiation therapy is high energy waves directed at the invading cells to shrink tumors by killing them. Both therapies are used to help treat cancer (Cure research.com,2015).

''Primary Long-term Negative Effects of Radiation Therapy''

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy also negatively affect a child’s growth and development. Chemotherapy slows down a child’s growth rate for up to a couple of years after treatment. Studies are still being conducted on long term effects of intensive chemotherapy on a child’s growth. However, on average a child will lose 7.7 centimeters of their height as a result of receiving this treatment. Many other effects are caused by radiation therapy as well including direct effects on the bones, the skin, major organs and the brain. These effects normally occur six months after treatment exposure (Cancer.gov,2015).

''Primary Long-term Negative Effects of Chemotherapy''

Chemo therapies also negative effects on growth and development. Cognitive impairments can occur after a couple years of treatment. This can result in problems with memory, poor hand-eye coordination and lower academic achievement. Vision problems can also result from these treatments. Some chemo drugs in particular may cause blurred vision or glaucoma. However, most of the time, a patient’s eyesight comes back once treatment has stopped. In addition to cognitive changes and changes in vision, chemotherapy can also cause hearing loss and ringing in the ears.

The thyroid can also be affected by intensive treatment. The thyroid gland is very important as it is a part of the endocrine system. Hormones from the thyroid regulate the body’s metabolism and can affect the development and growth of the child. Heart disease is another serious side effect. Finally, the damage to the heart can occur during treatment; however the effects may not show up till years later (Cancer.org,2014).

''Other Negative Side Effects''

   Common negative side effects children experience during these treatments are fatigue, skin damage, discomfort and pain. Fatigue can last for months during treatment. It is best to encourage them to get as much rest possible and to decrease activities. As treatment continues damage to the skin may also occur. Skin can become red and very sensitive. If your child has radiation therapy before chemotherapy; blisters may develop and their skin could potentially peel. Discomfort and pain is normal during these harsh treatments. Certain drugs can cause headaches, stomach and muscle pains.

Children also experience many other negative side effects as a result of treatment with radiation and chemotherapy. Some of the more common effects of radiation treatment include:

·        Hair Loss

·        Chemotherapy causes mouth, gum, and throat sores

·        Gastrointestinal problems

·        Low platelets

·        Increased risk of infection

·        Decreased Blood Counts

·        Urinary System Problems (Miller,2012).

Management of Side Effects

Many parents worry about how to prevent and manage side effects during radiation and chemotherapy. Parents should ensure that their children get plenty of sleep and relax. Children must also eat a healthy balanced diet to keep their energy levels up. They should avoid foods that are high in fiber  as well as dairy products and spicy foods. Most importantly children must drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and avoid caffeinated drinks (Howcast.com, 2010).

Conclusion

Surviving cancer is difficult, but with proper treatment it is possible. Although there are several side effects to these treatments the overall outlook for children with cancer has improved tremendously. In 1975, fifty percent of children survived at least five years once diagnosed with cancer. Today, more than eighty percent of children have survived at least five years (Cancer.gov,2015). A great deal of advancement has been made in treating children with cancer in the past few decades and continues to improve.

 

References

Cure research.org (n.d.). Chemotherapy in children. ''Cure Research.org. ''Retrieved from http://curesearch.org/Chemotherapy-in-Children.

Cancer.org (n.d.). Children diagnosed with cancer: late effects of cancer treatment. Cancer.org. Retrived http://www.cancer.org/treatment/childrenandcancer/whenyourchildhascancer/children-diagnosed-with-cancer-late-effects-of-cancer-treatment.

Howcast.com (2010, June 16). How to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation[Audio howcast].Retrieved from http://www.howcast.com/videos/310925-how-to-reduce-the-side-effects-of-chemotherapy-and-radiation/

Cancer.gov (n.d.). Late effects of treatment for childhood cancer. Cancer.gov. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/lateeffects/HealthProfessional/page8.

Miller, R. (2012). Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Kids Health.org. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/cancer/side_effects.html.