Pediatric cancer is the second leading cause of death among children ages 1-14 (Whitehead et al., 2016). Approximately 10,500 children ages 1-14 and 5090 adolescents ages 15-19 have been diagnosed with cancer in 2021 (American Cancer Society, 2021). An estimated 28% of childhood cases and 13% of adolescent patients will be diagnosed explicitly…

This viewpoint describes the case of a 4-year-old boy's journey in art therapy after his cancer had returned, which despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, ultimately claimed his life. The patient and his family participated in art therapy over the course of 18 months. As an integrated, palliative component of treatment, art therapy helped…

Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children and adolescents under the age of 19 (Mullin, 2018); but, due to scientific research and treatment advancements, there is an approximately 80% chance of survival from leukemia (Castillo, 2008). Most children receive a diagnosis of leukemia between the ages of 2 and 7 years old. The peak age of…

Childhood cancers are the second leading cause of death among children. Common childhood cancers include leukemia (34%), brain tumors (23%), and lymphomas (12%; Kaatsch, 2010). Fortunately, survival rates related to these diseases have been increasing (Phillips et al., 2015). There are approximately 388,500 survivors of childhood cancers, with…

In this article the author uses the term "conservative dancers" to describe dancers who live in communities or families that are socially, culturally, or religiously conservative with ideological consistency, adhering to traditional values that they deem to be moral (e.g., modest dress, clear gender roles and separation, purity, family…

School counselors increasingly will encounter childhood cancer survivors. This article explains why the cure for cancer consists of more than the eradication of the disease and includes the amelioration of academic, career, personal, and social concerns. Drawing on the research literature, the article discusses different stages of cancer…

The topics including bullying, family diversity, homelessness, disabilities, and incarceration are often referred to as "tender topics." They can be difficult for teachers to explain to or discuss with children. In their work with children, families, and teachers, the authors have seen that it is not necessarily the topic that makes conversations…

This descriptive and case-control study was carried out in a pediatric oncology outpatient clinic to determine the school-related physical, social, and psychological problems and problems experienced in academic achievement of children treated for cancer. The sample of the study consisted of 56 Turkish patients with cancer, aged 7-18 years, who…

The center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that 1 in 110 children in the US have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), up from 1 in 150 in 2007. A study in the "Journal of Pediatrics" in October 2009 revealed similar numbers. Parents of 1 in 90 children reported that their child has ASD. That report is now 1 in 58.…

Medulla blastomas are known to be invasive and rapidly growing tumors. This case study follows a boy's journey for 3 years from when he was first diagnosed with medulla blastoma. The journey illustrates the complexities and challenges faced by individuals treated for brain tumors. A multifaceted view based on psychometric, cognitive-neuroscience,…

Family life is altered irrevocably when a young parent is diagnosed with or dies from cancer. This article tracks the genesis and transformation of a comprehensive psychoeducational support and bereavement program for children, adolescents, and parents affected by cancer. From the inception of the program, families with parents in active treatment…

This commentary pertains to the article, "Childhood Leukemia Survivors and Their Return to School: A Literature Review, Case Study, and Recommendations" by D. Scott Hermann, Jill R. Thurber, Kenneth Miles, and Gloria Gilbert in this issue (2011) regarding pediatric leukemia. The authors present a literature review regarding leukemia in…

As a result of advancements in medical expertise and technology, children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer now have opportunities to participate in many typical activities, including school. To some extent, school reintegration reflects positive adjustment to their illness. Nevertheless, children and adolescents with cancer may experience…

Blindness or significant visual impairment can be very difficult for families to cope with. In this article, the authors present an in-depth case study of a family's journey through diagnosis and treatment for retinoblastoma (RB), a rare form of childhood eye cancer affecting the retina. As a part of the analysis of this family?s experience, the…

Music therapy, the systematic application of music and musical activities to elicit specific changes in emotional, physical, or social behavior, can help pediatric cancer patients to decrease their anxiety and cope with hospitalization. Because music is a nonverbal means of expression, it is an especially effective medium for young children who…