Malignant disease in childhood: the problems in general practice

The role of the family doctor with regard to malignant disease in childhood, can be summarized as follows: To act appropriately so that early diagnosis, which to an important degree determines the prognosis, is not delayed by a justifiably low index of suspicion. To assist the family, including the siblings, to cope with the severe emotional stress inherpent in the diagnosis of a malignancy in a child. To recognize the extreme danger of chicken pox and measles when contracted during chemotherapy, for cytotoxic drugs are also immune-suppressants, and appropriate immune globulins can be life-saving. To arrange for and cooperate in the support necessary when a child is nursed at home in the terminal stages.