What Is the Link Between Down Syndrome and Childhood Cancer?
Let’s begin by explaining Down syndrome Down syndrome (DS) occurs in about one in every 700 births worldwide. There is a small change during early fetal development that leads to an extra copy of chromosome 21, which is why DS is also known as trisomy 21. People with DS have unique, recognizable physical characteristics and may experience some developmental delays, though these can vary widely from person to person. Children with Down syndrome have a unique relationship with cancer. That extra chromosome can influence both an increased risk for certain cancers and yet protect against other cancers. A higher risk for certain blood cancers It’s estimated that children with DS have a 10 to 30 times higher likelihood of developing acute leukemia than children without DS. The most common blood cancers children with DS get are: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)...
Social Security Disability Benefits for Children with Cancer
Navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis is difficult on multiple levels including trying to understand how and if your child qualifies for social security disability benefits. This article was written by the Outreach Team at Disability Benefits Help with our Rally Families in mind. Disability Benefits provide information about different disability benefits and the application process. How a Child with Cancer Can Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis that causes emotional and mental distress even when it is caught in the early stages and is very treatable. This is especially true if the patient is a child. If your child has been diagnosed with cancer, you will have numerous medical appointments, you will take time off work and there will be mounting medical bills. Your child may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits....
What is Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of blood cancer that causes an overproduction of white blood cells. These cells grow abnormally and can build up in the blood and bone marrow, leaving less room for healthy white and red blood cells as well as platelets. CML is commonly associated with a genetic mutation called the Philadelphia chromosome. While CML is very rare in children, with about 150 pediatric cases in the U.S. each year, it’s often more aggressive in kids than it is in adults. CML accounts for 2% of leukemias in children under 15 years and 9% in those 15-19 years old. CML is a lifelong cancer, and there is no known cure—yet. But drug development has made CML a ‘manageable’ cancer for most. Signs and Symptoms of CML Like many childhood cancers, CML symptoms can vary depending on the phase of the disease. Anemia, infections, fevers, fatigue, bruising, swelling or feelings...
What is Neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a cancerous tumor that develops in the nervous system of babies and young children. It can also occur, rarely, in adolescents. A neuroblastoma tumor often affects immature nerve tissue called neuroblasts. The most common area for neuroblastoma to appear is in the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones that control body functions such as digestion, blood pressure, breathing and heart rate. Neuroblastoma can also begin in other areas of the body such as the chest, neck, spine or spinal cord, or abdomen. Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer in babies and can even occur before birth. It almost always develops in children before the age of 5. Neuroblastoma accounts for about 10% of childhood cancers. A very small percentage of neuroblastoma cases are hereditary, which is determined through genetic testing for those patients with a...
What is Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor (AT/RT)?
Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor (AT/RT) is a rare and fast-growing tumor that typically originates in the brain and spinal cord. These tumors most often occur in the part of the brain called the cerebellum, which controls movement and balance, or in the brain stem, which controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate. AT/RT mainly occurs in children under the age of three, but it can occur in older children and very rarely in adults. AT/RT is found in fewer than 3% of children with brain tumors. In most cases, AT/RT is associated with a specific genetic mutation in the SMARCB1 or SMARCA4 genes. These genes make a protein that helps control cell growth. About 10% of AT/RT cases have a hereditary genetic abnormality that increases the risk of developing AT/RT. AT/RT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS AT/RT symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s size and location as well as the child’s age....
What is Medulloblastoma?
Medulloblastoma is a type of brain cancer that’s most commonly found in children. “Medulloblastoma starts in the cerebellum, which is located in the back of the brain,” explained Rally-funded Researcher Dr. Jezabel Rodriguez-Blanco, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina. “It is a fast-growing tumor that often compresses the ventricle that brings the protective cerebrospinal fluid to the brain. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls balance, coordination, speech and other motor functions. Medulloblastoma can spread through the fluid that surrounds your brain, called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and affect the areas around the brain and spinal cord. Rarely does it spread to other parts of the body. “Medulloblastoma has been one of the most molecularly interrogated pediatric tumors,” said Rally-funded Researcher Dr. Vidya...
What Is the Link Between Down Syndrome and Childhood Cancer?
Let’s begin by explaining Down syndrome Down syndrome (DS) occurs in about one in every 700 births worldwide. There is a small change during early fetal development that leads to an extra copy of chromosome 21, which is why DS is also known as trisomy 21. People with DS have unique, recognizable physical characteristics and may experience some developmental delays, though these can vary widely from person to person. Children with Down syndrome have a unique relationship with cancer. That extra...
Social Security Disability Benefits for Children with Cancer
Navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis is difficult on multiple levels including trying to understand how and if your child qualifies for social security disability benefits. This article was written by the Outreach Team at Disability Benefits Help with our Rally Families in mind. Disability Benefits provide information about different disability benefits and the application process. How a Child with Cancer Can Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits Cancer can be a devastating...
What is Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of blood cancer that causes an overproduction of white blood cells. These cells grow abnormally and can build up in the blood and bone marrow, leaving less room for healthy white and red blood cells as well as platelets. CML is commonly associated with a genetic mutation called the Philadelphia chromosome. While CML is very rare in children, with about 150 pediatric cases in the U.S. each year, it’s often more aggressive in kids than it is in adults....
What is Neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a cancerous tumor that develops in the nervous system of babies and young children. It can also occur, rarely, in adolescents. A neuroblastoma tumor often affects immature nerve tissue called neuroblasts. The most common area for neuroblastoma to appear is in the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones that control body functions such as digestion, blood pressure, breathing and heart rate. Neuroblastoma can also begin in other areas of the...
What is Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor (AT/RT)?
Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor (AT/RT) is a rare and fast-growing tumor that typically originates in the brain and spinal cord. These tumors most often occur in the part of the brain called the cerebellum, which controls movement and balance, or in the brain stem, which controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate. AT/RT mainly occurs in children under the age of three, but it can occur in older children and very rarely in adults. AT/RT is found in fewer than 3% of children with...
What is Medulloblastoma?
Medulloblastoma is a type of brain cancer that’s most commonly found in children. “Medulloblastoma starts in the cerebellum, which is located in the back of the brain,” explained Rally-funded Researcher Dr. Jezabel Rodriguez-Blanco, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina. “It is a fast-growing tumor that often compresses the ventricle that brings the protective cerebrospinal fluid to the brain. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that...