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Caring for Teens with Cancer and Blood Disorders
Recent studies show teens with cancer experience better outcomes in pediatric hospitals than they do in adult hospitals, even when adult hospitals follow pediatric protocols. While the exact mechanisms for this are still being studied, the reasons may have to do with pediatric hospitals’ philosophy of caring for each patient at their unique stage of growth and development. In addition to customizing treatment protocols to your teen’s unique developmental stage and diagnosis, adolescent care at Children’s involves:
- Strong physician-patient teamwork. Adolescents are still learning to take care of themselves. We work closely with teens to listen to any concerns, fully understand any issues with treatment and medications, and develop the best possible treatment plan. If necessary, hematologists/oncologists have access to a variety of specialists to help in this pursuit, including pediatric pharmacists, neuropsychologists and psychologists, child life specialists, and other experts.
- Self-care options. It can be frustrating when cancer or a blood disorder makes adolescents more dependent on their parents or caregivers. Self-care options can empower teens to help reduce side effects and take control of an aspect of their health care. At Children’s, teens can be trained in biofeedback, self-massage, mental imagery, and other integrative medicine techniques that may help reduce nausea and fatigue. Yoga and aquatic exercise classes for kids with cancer/blood disorders can help teens reduce stress and maintain fitness during treatment.
- Peer connections. The hematology/oncology team helps teens connect with peers through seasonal events coordinated by hospital staff, summer camps, and the Youth Advisory Council. Staff members can visit patients’ schools to help school personnel understand treatment side effects and educational needs that can help a teen re-integrate into the school setting.
For more information, visit the Just for Teens page.
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