Leukemia & Lymphoma Society launches back-to-school program for children with cancer

10-12-2006

Approximately 9,000 children and teenagers are diagnosed with cancer in the United States yearly with leukemia representing more than 30% of these cases. Due to research advances, the survival rate for the most common pediatric cancer, acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), has improved from 4% in the 1960s to more than 85% today.

For children who survive cancer, however, the challenges continue long after the treatments are over.

Recognizing the need to help children return to school after treatment, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has introduced a new program, "Welcome Back: Facilitating the Return to School for Children with Cancer," through a national partnership with the Lance Armstrong Foundation. A $68,000 grant from The Regence Community Health Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation will enable the Society to expand the program in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Utah.

"Welcome Back: Facilitating the Return to School for Children with Cancer" is an educational program for school personnel and nurses about childhood cancer, its treatment and late effects, the challenges cancer survivors face upon returning to school and throughout their time in school, the laws that protect childhood cancer survivors' rights, and strategies to help meet the students' short and long-term educational needs.

As research continues for more effective and less toxic treatments for childhood cancer, healthcare professionals are becoming increasingly aware that children living with and beyond cancer will face additional challenges after the cure. Because of the intensity and duration of the treatments, parents and school personnel require significant education about the cancer treatment journey and also about the long-term effects of treatment on cognitive, social and psychological development.

This is where the Welcome Back program and companies like The Regence Group can make a significant difference in the lives of pediatric cancer survivors.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in White Plains, New York, with 66 chapters in the United States and Canada, is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services.

Created in 1996, Regence is the largest health insurer in the Northwest/Mountain state region, operating Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans in Oregon, Washington, Utah and Idaho.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) provides the practical information and tools people with cancer need to live life on their own terms. The LAF serves its mission through advocacy, public health and research. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas.

This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.