Abstract
Childhood cancer accounts for less than 2% of all cancers diagnosed each year. About 12–14,000 children will be diagnosed in a given year with any type of cancer. Over the past fifty years, treatments and cure rates have improved from 10–20% five year survival rates to between 80–85% five year survival rates. Psychosocial support of children with cancer and their families has grown and has been more fully integrated into pediatric care over the past five decades. Increasing acceptance of the importance of addressing mental health has led to oncologists referring patients to specific resources and services. This paper provides updated information on psychosocial issues for those who treat children and adolescents with cancer and focuses on unique challenges for the pediatric psycho-oncologist.
