Page 63 - Encyclopedia of Nursing Research

C

is associated with an increased incidence of
CanCer in Children congenital anomalies. Children with syn-
dromes caused by abnormal numbers of
chromosomes (i.e., Down syndrome) have an
Pediatric oncology represents only a small increased incidence of cancer (Lightfoot &
fraction of the discipline of oncology. Roman, 2004). Children with immune defi-
Although relatively rare, childhood cancer ciencies are at greater risk for developing
causes considerable morbidity among those cancer. Some viruses have been linked to
affected and is the leading cause of disease- childhood cancer, such as hepatitis B virus
related death among children ages 1 to 19 associated with hepatocellular cancer in chil-
years (Martin et al., 2008). Yet the numerous dren and Epstein-Barr virus associated with
advances in the diagnosis and treatment of the development of lymphoma. Despite the
childhood cancer have resulted in significant lack of knowledge about the origin of cancer,
improvements in survival. Approximately there is some information on risk factors that
81% of all children diagnosed with malignant increase the likelihood of children develop-
neoplasms will survive more than 5 years ing cancer. Environmental agents such as
(Jemal, Siegel, Zu, & Ward, 2010). exposure to ionizing radiation have been
The annual incidence of childhood can- found to cause cancer in children (Lightfoot
cer is 16.6 per 100,000 children ages 0 to 19 & Roman, 2004).
years (U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group, The major focus of pediatric oncology
2010). There is a slightly higher incidence nursing research includes symptom assess-
in men (17.5 per 100,000) compared with ment and management, end-of-life care,
women (15.3 per 100,000). There are approx- quality of life, and long-term survivorship
imately 13,100 children and adolescents less issues (Hockenberry & Kline, 2010). Although
than 20 years of age diagnosed each year increased attention on nursing research has
with cancer (U.S. Cancer Statistics Working occurred over the past 10 years, many areas
Group, 2010). For children of all ages, leu- of pediatric oncology nursing have yet to be
kemia is the most frequent type of cancer, explored. There is a significant need for fur-
followed by brain tumors and lymphomas. ther clinical research with a cultural and
Tumors of the kidney are more common communication focus (Hare & Hinds, 2004).
in African Americans, whereas tumors of Qualitative research has been used more
the brain and bone are more common in frequently to allow children with cancer to
Caucasians. describe phenomenon that is not well under-
The cause of childhood cancer is not stood; however, incorporating the pediatric
known. Some childhood cancers, in particu- patient as an active participant in all research
lar retinoblastoma, Wilms tumor, and neuro- studies is an important consideration for pedi-
blastoma, demonstrate patterns of inheritance atric oncology nursing research (Hare, 2005).
that suggest a genetic basis for the disorder. Symptom assessment and management
Chromosome abnormalities have been found has been a focus of pediatric oncology nursing
in acute leukemia and lymphoma as well as research for many years. In the 1980s, nursing
other pediatric solid tumors. Wilms tumor research focused on procedure-related pain,