LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Chasing fireflies, playing hide and seek, not a care in the world. That's how childhood is supposed to be.
However, for thousands of kids across the country the worries run much deeper. Every day, fourty-six school-aged children are diagnosed with cancer. One in five -- won't survive.
On this Medical Monday, Oncology Nurse Cassie Martin with Arkansas Children's Hospital sat down with THV's Ashley Blackstone. Click on the THVideo!
The Hematology/Oncology department of Arkansas Children's Hospital averages 90-100 new cancer patient diagnoses per year, which account for over 95% of all children in Arkansas diagnosed with cancer.
The age range of new patients is from infancy through age 21 years. About 65% of our newly diagnosed patients are less than 10 years old at the time of diagnosis.
At any given time, ACH has over 250 patients who are being treated with chemotherapy. We have about 6,000 outpatient visits per year, and about 5,500 hospital days. We will follow most of our cancer patients at least 10 years after they complete their chemo program.
Overall, about 80% of children with cancer can be cured. This number has more than doubled over the past 25 years, and the goal is to continue to make progress towards 100% someday.
The 2012 Little Rock CureSearch Walk will celebrate and honor children from Arkansas who have been affected by children's cancer. This very special day will include prizes, music, food, and fun activities for the entire family!
The walk will be Saturday, October 6 at Murray Park in Little Rock. Click here to register or donate.