2021’s Most-Read Childhood Cancer Stories

A childhood cancer diagnosis can drastically alter the lives of the patient and their family members. In 2021, CURE® reported on important research that childhood cancer survivors and their caregivers should know about, while also highlighting some exciting news in the space.

Here is a list of CURE®’s top five childhood cancer stories from the last year.

1. Fear of Disease Progression Can Be ‘Debilitating’ for Some Parents of Childhood Cancer Survivors

Research published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship found that many parents of children with cancer experience fear of their child’s cancer returning. One expert recommends that parents talk with their health care team about these feelings and seek professional help, if need be.

2. New Book Written by Former Pediatric Oncologist Emphasizes Patients With Cancer ‘Are Not Alone’

Dr. Michael Weiner was a pediatric oncologist for more than four decades and has both professional and personal relationships with cancer. He is a lymphoma survivor and the parent of a patient with thyroid cancer. In his book, “Living Cancer: Stories from an Oncologist, Father, and Survivor,” he shares his experiences and emphasizes that survivors are not alone.

3. Potential Genetic Target Found for Treating Pediatric Leukemia

The expression of mesothelin (MSLN) may be a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target for children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), according to research published in 2021. Researchers are hoping that they can use this discovery to craft targeted cancer treatments that will be easier to tolerate than current chemotherapy regimens.

4. Childhood Cancer Survivor Becomes Crew Member on First All-Civilian Mission to Space

After facing a bone cancer diagnosis at the age of 10, Hayley Arceneaux later became the youngest American in space last year at the age of 29. Arceneaux, who now works at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, was selected by billionaire and civilian pilot Jared Isaacman to participate in the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft’s mission.

5. Financial Burden of Pediatric Cancer Can Cause ‘Trauma’ and Other Long-Term Side Effects in Survivors

The stress and anxiety of a childhood cancer diagnosis can carry on later in life, with financial worries also having a major impact on emotional wellbeing. In this article, an expert urges parents to have open conversations with their children about financial hardships.

Tune in to CURE®’s childhood cancers page to stay up-to-date on the latest news in the pediatric space.

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