General practitioners face a dilemma. In a recent survey (Ann Intern Med. 2014;160:11-17), most reported being unfamiliar with the guidelines and uncomfortable treating adult survivors of childhood cancer; however, they can expect to see more such patients each year as treatments for childhood cancer become increasingly successful.
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“I envision the development of a subspecialty — either of doctors or nurse practitioners — who deal with cancer patients outside the care of an oncologist and who are trained in survivorship, know a lot about treatment, and know about supportive, palliative, and nutritional care in survivors,” she said.
In the meantime, however, family practitioners are in the driver’s seat.
Restaurants Nationwide Host Lemonade Stands to Support Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
What’s better than an ice cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day? A refreshing glass of Freckled Lemonade® from Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. that helps support the fight against childhood cancer! On Wednesday, Aug. 20, participating Red Robin® restaurants nationwide will host lemonade stands* to raise funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding better treatments and ultimately cures for all children with cancer.
For many, obtaining a 4.0 GPA seems like an almost impossible feat, requiring countless all-nighters, too many energy drinks and too little sleep. Well, this recent college graduate achieved just that while battling cancer.
Dallas researchers have pinpointed a gene that fuels the development of several pediatric cancers, a finding that could serve as an impetus for pharmaceutical companies to develop new cancer treatments that help without using chemotherapy.
For Millions of Teens and Young Adults, Finding a Doctor to Treat Them as They Grow Up Is Hard
“Every youth needs a transition plan to adult care, but for those with complex medical needs who require constant interaction with the health care system, it’s especially important that the connection not be broken,” says GotTransition’s co-director, rheumatologist Patience White.
Whether it’s swimming, playing ball or just being outside with friends, camp is a fun part of the summer for many children.
Those kids who have cancer don’t have to miss out on the fun, either, thanks to Camp Sunrise, a weeklong sleep-away camp where they can be campers instead of patients. It’s put on by the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Division of Pediatric Oncology.
The Empire State Building, which has lit the Manhattan skyline in the past to honor Gay Pride Week, Chinese New Year, and even the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, has refused requests to light up in honor of pediatric cancer awareness.
Stoddard put in a formal request with the Empire State Building asking to go gold for one night to raise awareness for pediatric cancer research.
But, the Empire State Building said no, simultaneously crushing Tony’s promise to son that his life would mean something. Other young cancer patient parents are now rallying around the Stoddards.
Most of the 260,000 drivers who zoom past on a typical weekday likely don’t realize the significance of the sign. “People are like, ‘Who’s Rosie?” said John Novak, 61, founder of Novak Construction.
“Then I tell them the story. I tell them there is a pretty sick little girl and we put it up for her.”
The megawatt gesture has meant a lot to the Colucci family.
“It gives me a lot of strength, just knowing people care and that they’re praying for her and they stand behind us in our fight,” said Rosie’s mom, JoAnne Colucci, 50.
“The sign is not just a sign,” she said. “It’s hope.”
The debate over compassionate use and “Right to Try” legislation.
The U.S. has a system meant to help: it’s called compassionate use and it’s a way for terminally ill or otherwise optionless patients to access experimental drugs outside of clinical trials. For a patient to receive a medicine on that basis, she must have the support of her physician, the consent of the Food and Drug Administration and a pharmaceutical company willing to supply the drug. That’s where the Trallers, and many others, have gotten stuck.
