Comparison of Pediatric Cancers and Adult Cancers
Pediatric Cancers:
- Incidence: Pediatric cancers are rare, covers less than one percent of all cancers.
- Sites : t involves tissues such as mononuclear phagocyte system, Central Nervous System , muscles and bones.
- Histology : Most common type could be found are nonepithelial, sarcomas, embryonal, leukemia, lymphoma.
- Latency (from iniationa to diagnosis): It occurs relatively in shorter periods of time.
- Environmental factors: Most pediatric cancers occur as a combination of environmental factors and hereditary factors called ecogenetics.
- Prevention: As of the present, there minimal strategies known.
- Early Detection: These are generally accidental findings.
- State of diagnosis: 80% of the cases are metastasized when found out.
- Response to treatment: Pediatric cancers are very responsive to chemotherapy and tolerance to higher doses could be noted.
- Treatment of side effects: There is less difficulty in treating the side effects, however there are long term consequences.
- Prognosis: Greater than 60% are cured.
Adult Cancers
- Incidence: Adults cancers are common which covers more then 99% of all cancers.
- Sites : It involves organs such as the lungs, breast, colon prostate.
- Histology : Most common types are epithelial and carcinomas.
- Latency (from initiation to diagnosis): It occurs in a long period of time like a patient could be well over 20 years
- Environmental factors: It has a strong relationship to environmental and lifestyle factors
- Prevention: Adult cancers today are 80% preventable.
- Early Detection: It is possible to detect early when early detection and screening practices are done such as Breast Self Examination.
- State of diagnosis: It could either be local or regional.
- Response to treatment: It is less responsive to chemotherapy.
- Treatment of side effects:More difficulty with acute toxicity but fewer long-term consequences.
- Prognosis: Less than 60% could be cured.
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Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN
Currently a Nursing Local Board Examination Reviewer. Subjects handled are Pediatric, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nursing. Previous work experiences include: Clinical instructor/lecturer, clinical coordinator (Level II), caregiver instructor/lecturer, NC2 examination reviewer and staff/clinic nurse. Areas of specialization: Emergency room, Orthopedic Ward and Delivery Room. Also an IELTS passer.
