Dec 3, 2008 6:26 pm US/Pacific
Group Helps Parents Cope With Pediatric Cancers
LOS ANGELES (CBS) ―
This week, we've introduced you to the group Padres Contra el Cancer (parents against cancer). Through their help, families, especially Latino, get the support they need. We continue our series, this time focusing on pediatric cancers from diagnosis to treatment. Lisa Sigell has the story.
They are the smallest of victims fighting the most aggressive diseases -- pediatric cancers. They don't discriminate as depicted in a video from Padres Contra el Cancer. From babies to teens, pediatric oncologist Jacqueline Casillas sees it all.
"Pediatric cancer is very different than the adult cancer, it's rapidly producing tumors or cancer cell," Casillas said.
While they should be out playing, they are hooked up to monitors. It's hard to understand how a child so young could end in the hospital for such a long time.
"There are the leukemias, the lymphomas and then we have brain tumors or the solid organ tumors, the liver tumor, the kidney tumors, the bone tumors, the soft tissue tumors," Casillas stated.
Doctor Casillas says treatment begins quickly and is very strong, it can include chemotherapy, radiation, and major surgery. In those 14 and under, there are about 12,400 cases diagnosed each year.
In Los Angeles, half of the pediatric cancer patients are Latino. Sometimes diagnosing them is the hardest part, you take your child to the doctor for a simple tummy ache, fever, or maybe aching bones and you are sent home with medicine. Doctor Cassilas says if it doesn't get better, trust your instincts.
"You have to just keep on pushing, ask if this is anything more serious," Casillas said.
Their are many cancer support groups out there, but for the Latino community especially, Doctor Casillas say Padres Contra el Cancer is like no other and fills a void that is badly needed.
If you would like more information or would like to volunteer visit
iamhope.org.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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