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Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Childhood Leukemia Cancer

Author Archives: American Childhood Cancer Organization

Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Childhood Leukemia Cancer

Posted on August 20, 2018 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

What Causes Childhood Leukemia?

Causes Childhood Leukemia bonesBoth major types of childhood leukemia—Acute lymphocytic (lymphoblastic) leukemia (ALL) and Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)—begin in the bone marrow, the soft inner part of the bone where new blood cells are created. As the leukemia cells accumulate inside the bone marrow, they overwhelm the healthy cells, eventually spreading into the blood stream. Thus, leukemia is a blood-based cancer, and must not be confused with other types of childhood cancers that start in other parts of the body and eventually spread into the bone marrow.

Why do some blood cells in children grow into abnormal leukemia cells? In other words, what causes childhood leukemia? Unfortunately, we cannot yet answer that question. We do know that childhood leukemia, like most other childhood cancers, is not caused by environmental or lifestyle factors. Absent these factors, scientists and researchers do not know what causes certain cells within a child’s bone marrow to begin growing and functioning abnormally.

Increasingly, scientists are beginning to believe that many childhood cancers, including leukemia, are linked to mutations—or random, uncontrolled alterations—to the DNA found within normal bone marrow cells. Leukemia may be connected to a specific type of DNA mutation controlling the genes responsible for ensuring that cells divide, grow, replicate, and die properly. Another potential cause of childhood leukemia may be a form of genetic mutation called chromosome translocation, where DNA from one chromosome breaks off and becomes attached to a different chromosome. Again, if this mutation affects oncogenes and/or tumor suppressor genes, it may lead to the development of childhood leukemia or other types of childhood cancer.

What are the risk factors for childhood leukemia?

If it is true that genetic mutations are responsible for most cases of childhood leukemia, it is important to note that these genetic mutations are usually the result of random and unpredictable changes and are not linked to any known or inherited risk. However, there are a few inherited conditions which may result in a higher risk factor for some rare cases of childhood leukemia, such as:

  • Inherited syndromes such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and Li-Fraumeni syndrome
  • Inherited immune system problems such as Ataxia-telangiectasia, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, Bloom syndrome, and Schwachman-Diamond syndrome
  • Having a sibling with leukemia, especially if the sibling is an identical twin

The one environmental factor that may pose an increased risk of childhood leukemia is exposure to extremely high levels of radiation (such as Japanese survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings). However, scientists are exploring any potential links between childhood leukemia and smaller dosages of radiation (like routine x-rays), as well as chemotherapy and exposure to toxic chemicals.

Can Childhood Leukemia Be Prevented?

Although we don’t yet know definitively what causes childhood cancer, we can say definitely that there is no way to prevent it, or as of right now, screen for it the way we can with many adult cancers. We can hope that as our understanding of the causes of leukemia and other childhood cancers improves, that knowledge brings with it a better understanding of how to detect the disease before it becomes the terrible threat that it poses today.

More about Childhood Leukemia Cancers:

Learn More About the Different Types of Childhood Cancers:

About American Childhood Cancer Organization

American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) is a non-profit charity dedicated to helping kids with cancer and their families navigate the difficult journey from cancer diagnosis through survivorship. Internationally, ACCO is the sole U.S. member of Childhood Cancer International (CCI), the largest patient-support organization for childhood cancer in the world. Here in the United States, ACCO promotes the critical importance of ensuring continued funding into new and better treatment protocols for childhood cancer.  And most importantly, ACCO is focused on the children: developing and providing educational tools for children fighting cancer and their families, empowering them in their understanding of childhood cancer and the medical decisions they must make during this difficult journey. All of ACCO’s resources are available free of charge for families coping with childhood cancer. 

For additional information about childhood cancer or on the ACCO, or to order resources for you or your child, please visit our website at www.acco.org , call 855.858.2226 or visit:

What are the signs and symptoms of Childhood Leukemia Cancer?

Posted on August 10, 2018 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

About Childhood Leukemia Cancer

IMG_1986Leukemia is the most common form of childhood cancer today, accounting for nearly one-third of all childhood cancer diagnoses in the United States. A blood-based cancer that begins in the soft inner part of the bone called the bone marrow, childhood leukemia is classified into three different types. The most common type is Acute lymphocytic (lymphoblastic) leukemia (ALL), about 75% of all childhood leukemia diagnoses. ALL starts with abnormal cell growth among immature lymphocytes (white blood cells that help the body fight infection). About 25% of diagnoses are Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), which begins with abnormal growth of myeloid cells (responsible for the growth of non-lymphocytic white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.) The third type of childhood leukemia—Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML)—is extremely rare. Like AML, it develops in the myeloid cells and is acute (quickly growing) but it does not develop and spread as quickly as either AML or ALL.

What are the Symptoms of Childhood Leukemia?

The signs and symptoms of childhood leukemia generally do not begin to manifest until the abnormal cancer cells have spread from inside the bone marrow into the blood stream. Once inside the blood stream, the leukemia cells begin to crowd out healthy blood cells, while simultaneously traveling throughout the body and impacting the health and normal functioning of other organs. Therefore, the specific signs and symptoms of leukemia depend on the type of blood cell has been most impacted by the growth of the abnormal cells, and the impact of the cancer on other organs throughout the body.

If leukemia has caused a shortage of healthy red blood cells, symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Unusually pale skin
  • Headaches
  • An unusual sensation of cold
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness

If leukemia has caused a shortage of healthy white blood cells:

White blood cells are the body’s primary defense against illnesses caused by both bacteria and viruses. Therefore, if your child has a shortage of healthy white blood cells, or if the presence of leukemia cells is preventing the white blood cells from functioning properly, your child may not be able to fight off infections and illnesses. Recurring infections or infections that won’t go away even with medical intervention may indicate the presence of leukemia. The main indicator of infection is usually fever.

If leukemia has caused a shortage of platelets, signs and symptoms can include:

  • Easy and frequent bruising
  • Easy and frequent bleeding
  • Frequent and/or severe nosebleeds
  • Bleeding gums

If the leukemia has spread from the blood stream into or near other organs, it can cause symptoms relating to the functioning of those organs, such as:

  • Joint and/or bone pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling in the abdomen
  • Weight loss and/or loss of appetite
  • Coughing or trouble breathing
  • Headaches, seizures, vomiting, loss of balance, and blurred vision
  • Swelling of the face and arms, called SVC syndrome, is a potentially very serious symptom caused by the accumulation of cancer cells in the thymus
  • Symptoms specific to AML include skin rashes, gum problems (swelling, pain, and bleeding), extreme weakness, extreme tiredness, and slurring of speech

With the exception of the serious symptoms such as SVC syndrome and the extreme fatigue and weakness seen (albeit rarely) in patients with AML, you may notice that the symptoms of childhood leukemia listed here are also symptoms of many routine childhood illnesses. The fact is that childhood leukemia is a very rare disease. Just because you notice the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not mean that your child has leukemia. However, if you have any concerns—and especially if you feel the symptoms are not going away or are getting worse—it is important to share your concerns with your child’s pediatrician. In some cases, he or she may suggest additional diagnostic testing if he or she believes that the symptoms may be related to childhood leukemia.

More about Childhood Leukemia Cancers:

Learn More About the Different Types of Childhood Cancers:

About American Childhood Cancer Organization

American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) is a non-profit charity dedicated to helping kids with cancer and their families navigate the difficult journey from cancer diagnosis through survivorship. Internationally, ACCO is the sole U.S. member of Childhood Cancer International (CCI), the largest patient-support organization for childhood cancer in the world. Here in the United States, ACCO promotes the critical importance of ensuring continued funding into new and better treatment protocols for childhood cancer.  And most importantly, ACCO is focused on the children: developing and providing educational tools for children fighting cancer and their families, empowering them in their understanding of childhood cancer and the medical decisions they must make during this difficult journey. All of ACCO’s resources are available free of charge for families coping with childhood cancer.

 

For additional information about childhood cancer or on the ACCO, or to order resources for you or your child, please visit our website at www.acco.org , call 855.858.2226 or visit:

After Treatment—Living as a Childhood Neuroblastoma Cancer Survivor

Posted on July 11, 2018 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Living as a Childhood Neuroblastoma Survivor

IMG_2186Treatment for neuroblastoma can be long, difficult, and traumatic, not only for the patient but also for friends and family. Once treatment has ended and your child has been declared “cancer free”, it is very common for everyone—patient and family alike—to look forward to returning to “normal life.” And for the most part, it is possible to get back to a life that doesn’t revolve around childhood cancer. At the same time, however, it is important to recognize that childhood cancer has both short- and long-term consequences—both physical and emotional—that can continue to impact your child’s return to cancer-free normalcy.

Experts agree that the first step in facing life as a neuroblastoma survivor is working with your child’s oncology team to develop a comprehensive survivorship care plan. Such a plan can act as a checklist to help you ensure your child’s short- and long-term health, both physical and emotional, as well as smooth the transition back into a normal cancer-free life. Although the basic outline of any survivorship care plan is fairly standard, your child’s specific plan will be unique to him or her, depending on the characteristics of your child’s cancer and its treatment, as well as your child’s general health.

Your Child’s Survivorship Care Plan

Follow-up exams and tests

One of the most common concerns among parents and families of childhood cancer survivors is, will the cancer return? As of right now, scientists do not believe that there are any steps a parent or child can do after treatment has concluded to reduce the potential for recurrence. Parents can, however, develop—and then stick to—a scheduled plan of follow-up tests and scans. Depending on your child’s risk grouping, size and location of the original tumor, and other factors, tests will probably include both lab work and imaging tests such as PET scans, CT scans, and/or MRIs. As time goes on without recurrence, the time between tests will increase, and eventually the focus may switch to early detection screenings that focus on long-term health effects and/or secondary cancers.

Maintain complete and accurate medical records

As your child begins life as a childhood cancer survivor, it is important to remember that neuroblastoma will impact your child’s life for years to come. Therefore, it is critical to maintain accurate and complete medical records of your child’s entire cancer journey, from first diagnosis through treatment and including post-treatment screenings. Should your child experience health concerns later in life, future physicians will need to know this part of your child’s medical history in detail in order to develop a correct and comprehensive treatment plan.

Possible short- and long-term health effects of neuroblastoma and its treatment

Neuroblastoma and its treatment can, unfortunately, have long-term health effects, often called “late effects.” These may stem from the cancer itself, or from the treatment required to fight the neuroblastoma. Some late effects may present during or immediately after treatment; some may not begin until years later. Some of the most common late effects of neuroblastoma include:

  • Hearing loss
  • Bone and/or musculature problems (such as scoliosis)
  • Thyroid problems
  • Growth and development concerns
  • Fertility problems
  • Neurological concerns
  • Secondary cancers
  • Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (a very rare syndrome in which the body’s immune system begins to attack normal nerve tissue, causing learning disabilities, delayed muscle development, language delays, and behavioral problems)
  • Problems with the eyes or with muscle twitches (common in children with tumors located in the neck or chest, may require further treatment with corticosteroids or IVIG)

Emotional and social concerns

In the eagerness to return to “normalcy”, it can be all-too-easy to overlook the emotional stress that childhood cancer puts on both the child and his or her family, emotional stress that can continue to linger once treatment is complete. For older children, returning to school and social activities can prove more challenging than many families anticipate. Many cancer treatment centers can provide access to social workers and counsellors who can help families recognize and cope with the emotional strain of childhood cancer and its treatment.

More about Childhood Neuroblastoma Cancers:

Learn More About the Different Types of Childhood Cancers:

About American Childhood Cancer Organization

American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) is a non-profit charity dedicated to helping kids with cancer and their families navigate the difficult journey from cancer diagnosis through survivorship. Internationally, ACCO is the sole U.S. member of Childhood Cancer International (CCI), the largest patient-support organization for childhood cancer in the world. Here in the United States, ACCO promotes the critical importance of ensuring continued funding into new and better treatment protocols for childhood cancer.  And most importantly, ACCO is focused on the children: developing and providing educational tools for children fighting cancer and their families, empowering them in their understanding of childhood cancer and the medical decisions they must make during this difficult journey. All of ACCO’s resources are available free of charge for families coping with childhood cancer.

For additional information about childhood cancer or on the ACCO, or to order resources for you or your child, please visit our website at www.acco.org , call 855.858.2226 or visit:

About Childhood Leukemia, Detection and Diagnosis

Posted on July 1, 2018 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Childhood Leukemia

i-Czgv5NRNearly one-third of all children and teens with cancer are diagnosed with childhood leukemia, making this form of childhood cancer by far the most common. Childhood leukemia is a cancer of the blood. It begins in the bone marrow, the soft interior of the bones responsible for the development of new blood cells. Leukemia cells in the bone marrow replicate more quickly than healthy cells, and do not die at the proper time, and eventually begin to crowd out healthy cells. As this happens, the cancerous cells enter the blood stream and quickly move around the body. As the leukemia cells invade other organs, they begin to impact the ability of those organs to function normally.

There are two main types of acute childhood leukemia: ALL and AML:

  • Acute lymphocytic (lymphoblastic) leukemia (ALL): ALL is the most common form of childhood leukemia, accounting for approximately 75% of leukemia diagnoses. ALL develops from immature lymphocytes, which when healthy grow into white blood cells responsible for fighting infections and bacteria. Most ALL cases involve B cells, the lymphocytes responsible for making the antibodies that the body uses to fight viruses; however, some cases of ALL originate in T cells, which are responsible for fighting infection themselves.
  • Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML): Approximately 25% of childhood leukemia cases are AML, also known as acute myeloid leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia, or acute non-lymphocytic leukemia. AML originates in myeloid cells that are responsible for developing non-lymphocytic white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a very rare type of childhood leukemia that is usually diagnosed in children under the age of 4. Like AML, it originates in myeloid cells, but develops much more slowly than AML (yet still grows more rapidly than chronic leukemia common in adults). Chronic (slow-growing) leukemias such as chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are extremely rare in children.

Detection and Diagnosis of Childhood Leukemia

Children are usually diagnosed with childhood leukemia once it has entered the blood stream and spread to other parts of the body, leading to visible symptoms of illness as the leukemia cells prevent the normal functioning of various organs. The most common symptoms of childhood leukemia are fatigue, headaches, paleness, fever, and infection. Of course, these are similar to symptoms of many routine childhood ailments; however, your child’s pediatrician may recognize them as potential warning signs of leukemia if they persist, reoccur frequently, and/or gradually worsen over time despite treatment. Easy bruising and bleeding is also a potential symptom of leukemia.

Should your child’s pediatrician believe that leukemia may be the source of your child’s symptoms, he or she will recommend a blood test, which can indicate the potential presence of leukemia cells in the blood. The blood test will determine how many cells of each type (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) are present in your child’s blood. An abnormally high level of white blood cells and a corresponding low level of red blood cells and platelets may indicate leukemia. A technician will also examine the blood sample under a microscope to look for abnormalities in the blood cells themselves.

Should this blood test indicate the potential presence of leukemia in your child’s blood stream, your child will be referred to an oncologist for full diagnostic testing. The first step in a leukemia diagnosis is a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. This test is done to determine if leukemia cells are present in the bone marrow itself. Usually performed together, a bone marrow aspiration involves removing a small amount of bone marrow through a syringe inserted through the bone via a thin, hollow needle. Then, using a slightly larger needle, a small piece of the bone together with some marrow is removed. The biopsy involves examining the bone and the marrow samples under a microscope to detect the presence of leukemia cells.

If your child is diagnosed with leukemia, his or her oncology team will begin a series of additional tests and scans in order to classify and stage the leukemia. These tests will help the oncologists determine the appropriate method of treatment. These additional tests may include:

  • Lumbar puncture (otherwise known as a spinal tap) in order to determine if there are leukemia cells in the cerebrospinal fluid
  • Chest x-ray: to detect the potential for an enlarged thymus or lymph nodes, as well as to determine if there is any pneumonia and/or lung infection
  • CT scan or MRI: to detect the presence of leukemia in other organs such as the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, brain, and/or spinal cord
  • PET scan: may be helpful in determining the extent to which leukemia cells have spread throughout the body

More about Childhood Leukemia Cancers:

Learn More About the Different Types of Childhood Cancers:

About American Childhood Cancer Organization

 

American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) is a non-profit charity dedicated to helping kids with cancer and their families navigate the difficult journey from cancer diagnosis through survivorship. Internationally, ACCO is the sole U.S. member of Childhood Cancer International (CCI), the largest patient-support organization for childhood cancer in the world. Here in the United States, ACCO promotes the critical importance of ensuring continued funding into new and better treatment protocols for childhood cancer.  And most importantly, ACCO is focused on the children: developing and providing educational tools for children fighting cancer and their families, empowering them in their understanding of childhood cancer and the medical decisions they must make during this difficult journey. All of ACCO’s resources are available free of charge for families coping with childhood cancer.

 

For additional information about childhood cancer or on ACCO, or to order resources for you or your child, please visit our website at www.acco.org.

For additional information about childhood cancer or on the ACCO, or to order resources for you or your child, please visit our website at www.acco.org , call 855.858.2226 or visit:

What is the expected life span of Childhood Neuroblastoma Cancer

Posted on June 14, 2018 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

 

Statistics on Five-Year Survival Rates for Children with Neuroblastoma

IMG_2275Any discussion of prognosis or outlook is usually based on five-year survival rates, or the percentage of children with a specific type of cancer who live at least five years after their initial diagnosis. These numbers are based on studies performed at least five years ago, and so may not reflect improvement in treatment options for some types of cancers. Moreover, these numbers are merely averages and do not indicate the outlook or prognosis for your specific child. Your child’s oncologist will be able to give you a better understanding of your child’s unique case based on his or her type of cancer, age, general health, and response to treatment.

Staging and Prognosis Factors for Neuroblastoma

Five-year survival rates for neuroblastoma are based on a complex system that involves a detailed understanding of the stage of the disease at diagnosis and a series of “prognosis factors”. Currently, statistics on survival rates for neuroblastoma are maintained by the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), which classifies all cases of neuroblastoma into three risk groups: low risk, intermediate risk, and high risk. These risk grouping are based the disease’s stage and prognosis factors.

Staging: There are two different methodologies to determine the stage of disease, or how far the disease has spread beyond the site of the original tumor:

  • INRGSS: International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Staging System utilizes the results of imaging tests such CT, MRI, or MIBG scans and can be determined before treatment has begun.
  • INSS: International Neuroblastoma Staging System assesses staging after surgery to remove the tumor is performed.

Prognosis factors: these are certain markers that can indicate whether a specific neuroblastoma may respond better or worse to treatment, and can impact a child’s long-term outlook. Specific prognosis factors used to help assign risk for neuroblastoma are:

  • Age: children under 12-18 months tend to have a better long-term outlook than older children
  • Tumor histology: when examined under a microscope, tumors that contain more normal-looking cells tend to have a better prognosis (favorable histology v. unfavorable histology)
  • DNA ploidy: in young children, neuroblastoma cells that contain the same amount of DNA as normal cells (a DNA index of 1, or diploid) seem to respond less favorably to treatment than those that have an increased amount of DNA (a DNA index greater than 1, or hyperdiploid).
  • MYCN gene amplifications: neuroblastomas with too many copies of the MYCN oncogene (a gene that helps regulate cell growth and division) seem to grow more quickly and respond less well to treatment.
  • Chromosome changes: scientists are just now beginning to understand how the presence or lack thereof of certain chromosomes with the DNA structure of the cells can impact the prognosis for neuroblastoma.
  • Neurotrophin (nerve growth factor) receptors: Neurotrophin is a chemical that helps nerve cells mature. Neuroblastomas that have more neurotrophin receptors, especially those receptors called TrkA, are associated with a better long-term outlook.

Five-Year Survival Rates by Risk Group (COG Risk Groupings)

Low Risk: Children whose neuroblastoma is considered “low risk” have a five-year survival rate that is higher than 95%. The low risk group incorporates children who fall into the following categories:

  • All Stage 1 diagnoses
  • Stage 2A or 2B and under 1 year of age
  • Stage 2A or 2B, older than 1 year of age, with 0 extra copies of the MYCN gene
  • Stage 2A or 2B, older than 1 year of age, with extra copies of the MYCN gene and a favorable histology
  • Stage 4S with favorable histology, hyperdiploid, and no extra copies of the MYCN gene

Intermediate Risk: Children whose neuroblastoma is considered “intermediate risk” have a five-year survival rate of 90-95%. The intermediate risk group incorporates children who fall into the following categories:

  • Stage 3, under 1 year of age, no extra copies of the MYCN gene
  • Stage 3, greater than 1 year of age, no extra copies of the MYCN gene and a favorable histology
  • Stage 4, under 1 year of age, no extra copies of the MYCN gene
  • Stage 4S, no extra copies of the MYCN gene and has normal DNA ploidy and/or has an unfavorable histology

High Risk: Children whose neuroblastoma is high risk have a five-year survival rate of 40-50%.

  • Stage 2A or 2B, over 1 year old, with extra copies of the MYCN gene and an unfavorable histology
  • Stage 3, under a year old, with extra copies of the MYCN gene
  • Stage 3, over a year old, with extra copies of the MYCN gene
  • Stage 3 and over 18 months old, with an unfavorable histology
  • Stage 4 with extra copies of the MYCN gene
  • Stage 4 and over 18 months old
  • Stage 4, between 12 and 18 months old, with extra copies of the MYCN gene, unfavorable histology, and/or a DNA index of 1
  • Stage 4S with extra copies of the MYCN gene

Request for free resources here.

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The Childhood Cancer STAR Act Has Been Signed!

Posted on June 6, 2018 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

BREAKING NEWS!
THE CHILDHOOD CANCER STAR ACT HAS BEEN SIGNED!

Yesterday, June 5th 2018, as a result of your action and the collaboration of many childhood cancer advocates across the country, the Childhood Cancer STAR (Survivorship, Treatment, Access and Research) Act became law. The President signed the bill at 5:15 PM EST this Tuesday!
Thank you for taking action to transform childhood cancer into a national child health priority. Please like and share the great news of this historical day in the fight against childhood cancer!

WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!

TAKE ACTION

WHAT’S NEXT?

The ACCO (American Childhood Cancer Organization), with our partners at the Alliance for Childhood Cancer and all of you in the childhood cancer community, have collaborated and worked diligently for nearly three years to see this law finally passed!

 

It’s not over though! We need to continue to ask our legislators to fund the STAR Act for each of the next five years! We will continue to need your support by sharing, taking action through our advocacy platform and by reaching out to your representatives to make this a reality!

 

How to Help:

  1. Click this link to Take Action and Thank your Members of Congress – CLICK HERE
  2. Tweet your members of Congress by finding their Twitter Handle and thanking them – CLICK HERE
  3. As a member of the ACCO, share your voice! Comment or share on our Facebook Page – CLICK HERE
  4. Donate to the ACCO to help us advocate for families and children facing a diagnosis of childhood cancer today – DONATE
  5. Visit Our “Advocacy” Section on Our Website for More Information – CLICK HERE

 

Federal

Posted on June 6, 2018 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

The American Childhood Cancer Organization is a key leader in providing a voice within the halls of Congress for children and families affected by a childhood cancer diagnosis. We believe the urgent cries of children with cancer have been silenced by hospital walls for too long. Each child is special and should be valued, not treated as a faceless statistic. We believe personal stories matter – when shared with elected officials they are our most powerful weapon in the fight against childhood cancer. With the recent implementation of a new grassroots advocacy software system called Voter Voice, we’ve made it easier and faster than ever for our advocates to take action to contact elected officials at the state and federal level from home, or even the hospital. 

In the past year, ACCO gave children battling cancer as well as childhood cancer survivors a voice as a multitude of health insurance policies were debated that directly jeopardized their lives. Our advocacy emphasized the importance of maintaining the requirement for any proposal to cover essential health benefits while prohibiting annual or lifetime caps on coverage. We also spoke out against allowing states flexibility to limit or even exclude coverage for children with cancer because of pre-existing conditions. Additionally, we stood up for the one-third of all children diagnosed with cancer who depend on Medicaid to provide life-saving treatments by opposing drastic cuts in funding. 

In the past year we’ve also empowered advocates to be a part of the passing the RACE for Children Act – a revolutionary piece of drug development policy that will promote access to the latest cancer drugs being developed for adults that have a common molecular pathway in pediatric cancer types. This will help ensure children have access to new cancer treatments too. Currently stakeholders are participating in public meetings to determine the list of molecular targets to be included by the Federal Drug Administration as a result of the Race for Children Act. 

We are very excited that on June 5, 2018 – after three years and thousands of you took action – the Childhood Cancer STAR (Survivorship, Treatment, Access, Research) Act was signed into law! The most comprehensive childhood cancer legislation ever to be considered by Congress, this bill will increase overall pediatric cancer research funding at the National Institute for Health as well as expand research about the complicated issues of long-term survivorship; improve data collection for better outcomes utilizing shared information; and ensure childhood cancer has improved representation on the National Cancer Advisory Board.

Now the STAR Act needs to be fully funded each year for the next five years. Visit our Take Action center to stay up to date on our progress and take further action to keep the STAR Act moving.

Finally, we are proud to serve as a key member of the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, a collaboration of over 30 national advocacy groups uniting together towards one key purpose, ending the devastation of childhood cancer. As part of the Alliance, ACCO serves as a part of the Policy Workgroup to guide overall decision-making for legislation, policy, and initiatives the collective organizations will support. In addition to legislation, as a part of this collaborative the ACCO joins other members in advocating for increased funding for childhood cancer research in the National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute.

 

 

Neuroblastoma Childhood Cancer: Signs and Symptoms

Posted on June 4, 2018 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is the most common form of cancer in children under the age of one, and accounts for about 6% of all types of childhood cancers. It develops in neuroblasts, or immature nerve cells, that should eventually mature into nerve cells. In most cases, neuroblastoma is detected after a parent or guardian notices unusual symptoms, which often relate to the origin site of the neuroblastoma. About 33% of neuroblastomas begin in the nerve clusters near the adrenal glands. About 25% start in the sympathetic ganglia (a type of nerve cell cluster) in or near the abdomen. About 42% of neuroblastomas begin in sympathetic ganglia near the spine. However, in a majority of cases (about 66%), the cancerous cells have spread to the lymph nodes and/or bones at the time of diagnosis.

Common Symptoms of Neuroblastoma

Because neuroblastoma occurs most frequently in newborns and very young children, a neuroblastoma diagnosis is usually made after a parent, guardian, or caretaker notices one or more unusual symptoms and takes the child to a pediatrician. The most common symptoms of neuroblastoma include:

  • Enlarged belly
  • Swelling in the legs or in the face, neck, and/or upper chest
  • Lump or swelling in the abdomen or neck, usually without pain
  • Bluish lumps or bumps in the skin
  • Weight loss
  • Not eating or complaining about feeling full
  • Issues with urinating or bowel movements
  • Issues breathing or swallowing
  • Bone pain
  • Drooping eyelid and small-looking pupil in one eye
  • Bulging eyes and/or bruising around the eyes
  • Issues with being unable to feel or move parts of the body

neuroblastoma symptomsIn many cases, symptoms of neuroblastoma are caused by a tumor, or mass of cancerous cells, that becomes visible through the skin or begins to press on other organs of the body. The location of the primary tumor will impact the specific symptoms the child is experiencing. For instance:

  • Tumor in the abdomen or pelvis: If the tumor is located in the abdomen or pelvis, a loved one may notice a large lump or swelling in that area. Usually the swelling is not painful. However, it can cause the child to eat less; he or she may complain of feeling full or experience belly discomfort. These symptoms can, over time, lead to weight loss. If the tumor begins to press against blood or lymph vessels, it can lead to swelling in the legs and, for boys, the scrotum. It can also impact the bladder or intestines, causing issues with urination or bowel movements.
  • Tumors in the chest or neck: Tumors located in the neck may look or feel like a hard, painless lump. When located in the chest, the tumor may begin to press on the superior vena cava, a large vein through which blood exits the head and neck. This pressure may lead to swelling in the face and upper body, sometimes accompanied by a bluish-red skin color. It may lead to headaches, dizziness, or even a change in consciousness. If the tumor begins to press on the throat or windpipe, it can cause coughing or trouble swallowing or even breathing. A tumor that presses on specific nerves in the neck or chest will lead to symptoms in the areas that nerve controls, such as the eyes or the limbs.

Symptoms caused by neuroblastoma that has spread

In about two-third of all neuroblastoma cases, the neuroblastoma has spread beyond its point of origin into other areas of the body, usually the lymph nodes and/or the bones. As the cancer spreads, it begins to cause symptoms in other ways. For instance, if it has spread to the lymph nodes, the cancerous cells may cause the lymph nodes to swell. While in the vast majority of cases, swollen lymph nodes are caused by a common infection, they should be checked by a physician.

Neuroblastoma can also spread to the bones, which can be extremely painful. It may cause the child to complain of bone pain (if old enough to talk), or cause the child to limp or refuse to walk. If it spreads to the bones in the spinal cord, it can lead to weakness, numbness, or even paralysis in the arms and/or legs. If it spreads to the bones around the eyes, it can lead to bruising or bulging eyes. If it spreads to the bones of the skull, it can cause bumps under the scalp.

One particular type of neuroblastoma, found only in the first few months of life, is known as Stage 4S neuroblastoma because the tumor has spread to the liver, the skin, and/or the bone marrow. This leads to very specific symptoms such as blue or purple bumps on the skin, an enlarged liver felt as a mass on the right side of the abdomen, and difficulty breathing if the tumor has grown large enough to press on the lungs. However, despite the fact that it is widespread, Stage 4S neuroblastoma is very treatable, and sometimes even shrinks or disappears on its own.

Paraneoplastic Syndromes

Paraneoplastic syndromes are problems stemming from hormones released by the neuroblastoma. These unusual hormones can impact the normal functioning of nearby tissues or organs, even if the tumor itself has not spread into those areas. This can lead to a range of additional symptoms, including:

  • Fever
  • High blood pressure (irritability)
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Constant watery diarrhea
  • Reddening or flushing of the skin
  • Sweating

And most unusually, neuroblastoma can cause a set of symptoms called opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome or “dancing eyes, dancing feet.” A child with this syndrome will have irregular and rapid eye movements and twitch-like muscle spasms, and will lack coordination when standing or walking. Although researchers do not understand why, neuroblastomas in children who exhibit these unusual symptoms seem to be less life-threatening that other forms of neuroblastoma.

 

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Gold Ribbon Hero Katrina Bugge

Posted on May 22, 2018 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Katrina’s journey:

Katrina was diagnosed with Stage 5 Wilm’s Tumor on November 24, 2002 at the age of 4. We will never forget that date, where we were, what we did, and what brought us to the Minneapolis Children’s hospital.

Katrina’s little sister, Mariah, was 8 months old when we brought Mariah to a Pediatric Urologist for reoccurring UTI infections. During Mariah’s visit the doctor asked many questions about our family medical history. We shared with the doctor that Katrina had had 1 kidney infection in April, was currently doing the potty dance and on occasion would have an accident. Towards the end of the appointment the doctor decided to do an ultrasound on Mariah’s kidneys. He thought that it would be a good idea for us to have an ultrasound done on Katrina’s kidney too as 1 kidney infection can cause damage. We told him that Katrina was in the waiting room with her grandma. He checked his schedule and said that he had time for both girls. I went to the waiting room to get Katrina. Mariah’s kidneys looked perfect. The ultrasound tech told us that she could not see Katrina’s kidneys very well so we needed to check in at the hospital where the more advanced ultrasound machines are. After that ultrasound, we heard the words no parent wants to hear, your daughter has cancer. Katrina was immediately admitted to the hospital. The following days were a blur.

Katrina underwent 27 weeks of chemotherapy, 3 surgeries and radiation. She handled the treatments well until the last couple of weeks. Her weight become dangerously low so they gave her medication to increase her appetite. Wow, did she eat. She was back to her average weight within 2 weeks. The last 4 chemo treatments were very hard on Katrina’s body. She began to lose muscle tone on her left side. Her eye lid was droopy, she didn’t have much strength in her arms and legs and she got “club foot”. The doctors decided not to administer the last round of chemo. Her surgery went as expected. Following the surgery was radiation. Then we heard the words, “Katrina is in remission”.
Our doctor told us that Mariah saved her sisters life. They will always share a special bond!

Why Katrina is a Gold Ribbon Hero:

She was the strongest and bravest little girl we knew. Many times, Katrina would comfort us when she saw tears in our eyes. She would say, “Mommy and daddy I am going to be okay. The bug in my tummy is going to be gone soon.” Even on the toughest days, her smile would brighten the entire room.
As parents, it was so hard to understand why our daughter had cancer. Why did God choose Katrina? For many years we asked ourselves why was my daughter diagnosed with cancer, we are now able to answer that question with confidence. She was diagnosed with cancer to be the role model of hope for the children and families faced with cancer.

Today Katrina is a 15-year childhood cancer survivor. Katrina never let cancer define her; however, it is a very important part of her life. Every day she sees the scar on her stomach and is reminded of how fortunate she is to enjoy the new adventure each day brings.

Two years ago, Katrina created a personal platform, “Inspire a Golden Journey”, to inspire hope in children and families faced with childhood cancer. Katrina would like the children to realize that even though they may have little control of their disease, they cannot let it define them, and for them to create their own personal golden journey just as she has.

This year Katrina goal was to give back to the community that supported her during her journey with cancer. Katrina raised over $8,000 for the Infusion Center to purchase new chemotherapy chairs. The new chairs will replace the chairs that she sat in when she received chemotherapy. The chairs have heated seats to help control their body temperature, back massage to help relax back muscles, full back recline for patients to sleep if fatigued, trays for food or personal devices along with other features. Her other accomplishments include Painting the Community Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness month, spoke at a National Lions Convention about her personal experience with pediatric cancer and made 50 activity kits for children in the hospital undergoing chemotherapy.

Katrina is making a difference of the lives of those faced with cancer. This is why we feel Katrina is a Gold Ribbon Hero.

Date of Diagnosis:
11/24/2002

Status:
Survivor

Cancer Type:
Kidney Cancer Stage IV

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Gold Ribbon Hero: Regan Schott

Posted on May 21, 2018 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Regan’s journey:

Regan was diagnosed at 7 months old with stage 4 MRT… she fought hard without any complaining or fussing for 6 months before being given the terminal diagnosis. She was always a ball of energy and smiles. If you didn’t know she had cancer you’d never have been able to tell from her actions. She always had bright eyes for the doctors and nurses while making them laugh. She was strong all the way until the last days and even at the end she managed to find a way to smile. She will always be my hero and my personal angel.

Why Regan is a Gold Ribbon Hero:
She’s a gold ribbon hero because she didn’t once complain about treatment, or being stuck in hospitals. She always went with the flow and seemed to make the best out of all of her situations. While her journey was short, it was hard and she took it like a champ. Even proving doctors wrong on a few occasions and always giving the nurses a reason to smile.

Nominee’s Fundraising Page:
https://www.youcaring.com/darylschottandfamily-790434

Other social media pages:
www.reganstrong.blogspot.com

Date of Diagnosis:
04/01/2017

Status:
In Memory

Cancer Type:
Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor (MRT) Stage IV

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