November 2, 2009
Suicidal Thoughts in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Adult survivors of childhood cancer have an increased risk for suicidal thoughts, according to a study led by Christopher Recklitis, MD, MPH, director of Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Perini Family Survivors' Center. Reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, researchers noted that nearly eight percent of childhood cancer survivors said they have experienced suicidal thoughts, or ideation. Survivors of brain and central nervous system cancers were most likely to have had suicidal thoughts. Those in poor health or who had cancer-related pain or treatment-related chronic conditions also were at greater risk for suicidal thoughts.
This study reminds health professionals who work with cancer patients that physical and emotional health is strongly tied together. Medical providers treating survivors with significant ongoing medical issues should also be very aware of their patients' emotional well-being.
Read Dr. Recklitis' post on Children's Hospital Boston's blog, Thrive
News
DF/CHCC ranks best in New England, tops in country
For the third year in a row, Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center (DF/CHCC) was ranked the number one pediatric cancer program in New England, and one of the best in the country in U.S. News & World Report's 2010-2011 Best Children's Hospitals issue. read more
Upcoming Events
Join us at SIOP Boston 2010
Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center is proud to welcome the 42nd Congress of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) to Boston, October 21-24, 2010. SIOP features an exciting scientific and social agenda for all members of the pediatric oncology community, including oncologists, surgeons, radiotherapists, pathologists, nurses, basic scientists, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, psychologists, and parents and survivors. Don't miss this opportunity to interact with your the global colleagues. Visit www.siopboston2010.com and register today.
