Pediatric blood disorders and cancer care
At our children's hospitals across Ascension sites of care, we deliver specialized care for children with cancer and blood diseases.
You want the best care for your child. We do too. Pediatric specialists at our children’s hospitals across Ascension sites of care have the expertise to diagnose and treat cancer, blood disorders and bone marrow failure. Our experienced pediatric cancer doctors are part of a national team, sharing best practices and the latest in cancer treatment and research and bringing the best of cancer care to your child. Every visit starts with a conversation between you, your child and your child’s doctor. Then, we create a personalized care plan for your child. And with a plan, comes hope. Our goal is to help your child get back to school, friends, family and activities.
Benefits of our approach to childhood blood disorder and cancer care
When your child has a blood disorder or cancer diagnosis, your family is not alone. Your child’s care team will be by your side every step of the way, helping to coordinate appointments and connecting you with specialists and supportive cancer care services for:
- Anemia
- Blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, sarcomas)
- Bone cancer
- Brain and spinal cord tumors
- Eye retina cancer
- Hemophilia
- Kidney cancer
- Sickle cell disease
- Soft tissue cancers (rhabdomyosarcomas)
- Other rare cancers and blood disorders
A multispecialty care team – Your child’s doctor and specialists work together to provide comprehensive care for childhood cancers with ongoing support for your child’s recovery and overall well-being. Your child’s care team may include surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and therapists, oncology-certified nurses, physical therapists, dietitians, social workers, chaplains and palliative care specialists. Together, we create a care plan that meets all of your child’s needs. And your entire care team will stay connected throughout your child’s care.
Advanced treatment options for childhood cancer and blood disorders – Our oncologists specialize in surgical, non-surgical treatment options and targeted therapy for your child’s type of cancer. We offer many treatment options, including:
- Chemotherapy
- Gene therapy for pediatric leukemia
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery using robotic and minimally invasive techniques
Childhood cancer clinical trials – Your child’s doctor may recommend a clinical trial as part of their care plan. Clinical trials may provide more options for treatment, especially when cancer is not responding to traditional treatments. If you want to learn more about other possible options, talk to your doctor. Ask your doctor if a clinical trial is the right option for your child’s care.
Treatments with enhanced surgery recovery options – Surgery may be recommended as part of your child’s care plan to remove a cancerous tumor and the surrounding tissues. Whenever possible, pediatric surgeons use the latest surgical techniques to help improve your child’s recovery. Your care team may also refer to enhanced recovery pathways as part of your child’s care plan. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatments to help speed up your child’s recovery after surgery. And we understand surgery can feel scary for your child. Your child’s care team takes the time to explain the procedure and what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Supportive care for your child and family – When your child is facing cancer, it’s normal to feel sadness and anxiety. Talk to your child’s care team about your concerns. Our therapists provide talk and other behavioral therapies to help children experiencing emotional distress. And our pediatric rehabilitation care teams can work with your child to help improve their physical recovery after surgery or other treatments.
Team approach helps navigate tests and support services
Along the way, your child’s care may require imaging, lab testing, pharmacy support, or other specialists. You do not have to navigate your child’s cancer care alone. Your child’s care team will help you schedule appointments, connect with other services and support groups, and answer your questions. From your first consultation and throughout your child’s care, your child’s doctor will stay connected. And when you and your child come into the clinic for appointments, know that we’re maintaining strict precautions to keep everyone safe in our care.
Get a second opinion on your child’s cancer diagnosis or care plan
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for your child. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension sites of care. We can review the medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.
When your child is facing a new cancer diagnosis or when you are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan for your child, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of an integrated national team of doctors.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records from your doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Financial assistance and support is available
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.