 Although childhood cancer is rare, approximately 9,000 children
under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer this year, according to the
American Cancer Society.
Childhood cancer varies from adult cancers in development, treatment, response to therapy, tolerance of therapy, and prognosis. In most cases, childhood cancer is more responsive to therapy, the child can tolerate more aggressive therapy, and the prognosis is better.
One of the goals of cancer treatment for children is to have as much "normal
routine" in their lives as possible. That includes having treatments closer to
home in a timely, efficient, and safe manner whenever possible, thus allowing
more time at home, school, and in the child's own community with his or her
family and friends.
St. John's Health System has had a close working relationship with
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis
for at least 15 years. Nurses from St. John's Pediatric Outpatient Services
(POPS) and St. John's Clinic receive training at St. Jude to provide specialized
pediatric cancer care to patients in Springfield.
Treatment protocols are
established by St. Jude and followed by St. John's caregivers. St. Jude also
provides medication and needed supplies for administering chemotherapy
treatments. Patients return to St. Jude periodically for regular assessments and
when more complex or invasive therapies or procedures are needed.
"Ozarks families really appreciate being able stay
home and get the same level of care here that they would at St. Jude," said Susanne
Miller, R.N., St. John's vice president. "We're
proud of our relationship with St. Jude."
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