Anchors Away is a purpose driven home and pet care organization, dedicated to supporting families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis in the communities we serve.
What follows is a limited look at childhood cancer and its impact on American children and families.
Childhood cancer is a devastating diagnosis that affects not only the child but also their entire family. In the United States, approximately 9,620 children under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Despite advances in treatment, childhood cancer remains the second leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 14, following accidents. This essay explores the various types of childhood cancer, the emotional and financial toll on families, and the broader societal implications.
Types of Childhood Cancer
Childhood cancers are distinct from adult cancers in several ways. The most common types of childhood cancer include leukemias, brain and central nervous system tumors, lymphomas, and solid tumors such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor. Unlike adult cancers, which are often linked to lifestyle or environmental factors, childhood cancers are typically the result of random genetic mutations. This randomness makes prevention particularly challenging.
Emotional Impact on Families
The emotional impact of a childhood cancer diagnosis is profound. Parents often experience a range of intense emotions, including shock, fear, anger, and sadness. The diagnosis can lead to chronic stress and anxiety, which may persist even after the child has completed treatment.
Based on our own experience with pediatric leukemia, we know how traumatic this experience is. Our charitable trust is designed to help families to get through the “First Fourteen” by providing free home and pet care for families for the first two weeks after receiving a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
Siblings of children with cancer are also affected, often experiencing feelings of neglect, jealousy, and guilt. They may struggle with anxiety and depression, and their academic performance can suffer as a result.
Parents and siblings are not the only ones affected. Extended family members and friends also feel emotional strain. The entire support network of the child is often mobilized, leading to a ripple effect of emotional distress. The psychological toll can be long-lasting, with many family members experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) long after the child has recovered.
Financial Impact on Families
The financial burden of childhood cancer is significant. Treatment often requires specialized care, which can be expensive. Even with health insurance, families may face substantial out-of-pocket costs for medications, hospital stays, and travel to treatment centers. One in four families loses more than 40% of their annual household income due to treatment-related work disruptions. Many parents have to quit their jobs or reduce their working hours to care for their sick child, leading to further financial strain.
The financial impact extends beyond direct medical costs. Families often incur additional expenses for things like home modifications to accommodate medical equipment, special diets, and alternative therapies. The cumulative financial burden can lead to debt and financial instability, exacerbating the emotional stress on the family.
Social Impact on Families
The social lives of children with cancer and their families are often severely disrupted. Frequent hospital visits and long stays can isolate the child from their peers, leading to feelings of loneliness and social withdrawal. School attendance is often irregular, affecting the child’s academic progress and social development.
Parents and siblings also experience social isolation. The demands of caring for a sick child can limit their ability to participate in social activities, leading to a sense of isolation and loneliness. The stigma associated with cancer can further exacerbate this isolation, as some people may feel uncomfortable or unsure of how to offer support.
Many pets are very attuned to the emotional state of their human family members and suffer along with them. The general bandwidth available to care for pets is understandably reduced dramatically, which also impacts the family and pets’ wellbeing. Anchors Away model ensures that pets receive the level of love and care they need while the family figures out how to navigate this new reality.
Broader Societal Implications
The impact of childhood cancer extends beyond the affected families to society at large. The economic burden of childhood cancer is substantial, with costs associated with medical care, lost productivity, and long-term care for survivors. Childhood cancer survivors often face ongoing health challenges, including secondary cancers, heart and lung problems, and cognitive impairments, which require continued medical care and support.
Research funding for childhood cancer is crucial but often limited. While significant progress has been made in improving survival rates, more research is needed to develop less toxic treatments and to understand the long-term effects of cancer and its treatment on survivors. Advocacy and awareness efforts are essential to secure funding and support for research and to ensure that the needs of children with cancer and their families are met.
Key data has been sourced from, and more information is available at, Key Statistics for Childhood Cancers | American Cancer Society
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