When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it can be a very distressing time.
Parents and loved ones may experience shock, sadness and confusion. At Peter Mac, we understand how hard this time may be – we are here for you.
Our children’s cancer experts come together, to support you and your child through this time. We will all work together with the aim of getting your child back to a normal childhood. Peter Mac Paediatric Radiation Oncology Service provides care and radiotherapy treatment to children from birth to young adulthood.
Cancer is a disease of the cells. It usually happens when cells start to grow abnormally and out of control. These abnormal cells grow and damage body tissue, organs and can spread to other parts of the body. If abnormal cells grow and multiply, they can form into a lump, also called a tumour. This tumour, called a malignant tumour, can grow and spread into different parts of the body.
Children’s cancers are often very different to adult cancers. These cancers usually occur in different parts of the body than those found in adults. They also look very different under a microscope and respond differently to treatment.
How cancers grow in children is also very different to adults. It is unclear why cancer happens to some and not others. In children, cancer may be the result of a bad cell change in the genes during a normal growth period.