What Is Pediatric Oncology?
There are many different fields of medicine, each with its own specializations. This is true for both adults’ and children’s health care. All of these fields are important to ensuring patients receive the crucial care they need. One of those is pediatric oncology. But what is pediatric oncology exactly?
Pediatric oncology is the study and treatment of cancer in children and adolescents. Many of the cancers found in children and teens are different than those found in adults. Because of this, pediatric oncologists are doctors who specialize in the cancers that more frequently occur in children. The most common types of childhood cancer include:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Brain and spinal cord tumors
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Neuroblastoma
- Retinoblastoma
- Wilms tumor
- Bone cancer
Pediatric oncologists are specially trained to diagnose and treat these cancers that are more prevalent in children. Depending on the individual situation, there may also be a need for pediatric oncology surgery, which is usually performed to remove tumors.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are around 400,000 children between the ages of 0 and 19 who develop cancer each year. This demonstrates a large need for oncologists who can help these children treat their specific type of cancer, but many of these children live in areas where specialized medical care is not readily available.
The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) continues to provide humanitarian aid to children and their families through our hospitals, pediatric medical programs, health initiatives, hospital infrastructure projects, orphan and refugee sponsorships, and medical missions. These efforts help to ensure that children in need get the vital assistance they require.
We currently have two pediatric cancer departments: the Huda Al Masri Pediatric Cancer Department in the West Bank, and Dr. Musa And Suhaila Nasir Pediatric Cancer Department in Gaza. These two departments provide critical care for Palestinian children fighting cancer.
PCRF is not a political or religious organization. Our mission is to provide medical and humanitarian relief collectively and individually to Arab children throughout the Middle East, regardless of their nationality, politics, or religion. We rely on charitable giving to provide medical treatment, surgeries, safety, shelter, and support to children and their families in Palestine and the Levant. Find out how you can get involved and help make a difference in children’s lives today!