How to find what you are looking for
The content in this resource centre has been organized to follow the natural course of leukemia. It helps you understand symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. It also talks about challenges you may face while caring for your child during treatment. Finally, it discusses many of the late-term outcomes of leukemia treatment. This material has been developed in collaboration with the health care professionals in the Haemotology/Oncology department at the Hospital for Sick Children as well as other expert professionals from elsewhere.
This section begins with a description of the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system. It then describes the symptoms and subtypes of the two most common forms of childhood leukemia: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
This section describes the various diagnostic procedures that doctors will use to evaluate your child’s condition.
This section discusses treatments for both ALL and AML, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It also talks about whether your child is a candidate for a bone marrow transplant (BMT).
This section provides information on caring for a child with ALL during outpatient treatment. It also gives information for a child with AML while being treated in the hospital. It suggests how you can cope and adjust as a family, and deal with food and nutritional issues.
After finishing treatment, your child will eventually return to a more normal life and attend school. Children with ALL may return to school while finishing their last phase of treatment. This section discusses possible effects of your child's condition and treatment on mental and physical development, social activity, and overall quality of life over the long term. It also provides a list of helpful books and websites on leukemia.
Please remember that this information should only be used as a guide. Every child's situation is unique. If you have specific questions about your own child's care, please speak to your child's doctor.