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The Effects of Childhood Cancer

 

Internal organs like the lungs, liver, and kidneys can also be damaged. Late effects all depend on the severity of the cancer and one's health habits. Regular medical checkups are highly recommended, for they may lower the severity and likelihood of other diseases. .
             Many do not realize, but the physical symptoms and treatment of cancer can have serious social and emotional consequences. Many researchers have found that children diagnosed with cancer have negative self-perception of their appearance. These are all associated with psychological, academic, and social impairment.  Majority of the kids develop severe mental disorders. Anxiety, behavior problems, excessive somatic complaints, PTSD, academic difficulties, frustration, and worries about future relationships ("Psychological Impact of Childhood Cancer"). The worries about relapse and new health issues forming are a constant problem in children. Some children may have resentment towards others for them not having to go through what they do. They may be concerned with being treated differently by peers or adults. Some children may actually hide from their parents any sicknesses, in fear of the cancer relapsing.
             The devastating experience of going through cancer as a child puts him/her at a risk for short-term and long-term difficulties, whether it be socially, emotionally, or behavioral. Age and treatment length are both factors in the severity of the psychological affect cancer has on a child. While most psychological disorders like PTSD or anxiety don't usually come until the treatment is over, most behavior or social disorders come right during treatment. Younger children are not as affected by anxiety or depression as a teen would be, because they are not fully aware of what is going on. They are more prone to having behavioral and academic issues. The chronic strains of having cancer as a child, such as treatment pain, visible side effects like hair loss, weight gain, physical disfigurement, and lots of absences from school, all negatively impact social and psychological adjustment ("Psychological Impact of Childhood Cancer").


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