Leukemia in children: getting back to school-part 1

Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease past infancy. In 2014, nearly 16,000 children and adolescents 0 to 19 years of age will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States. More than 80% of those children will survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis. Much of the increase in survival has been seen in children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Once cancer treatment ends, the real battle begins. Getting back to school helps cancer patients return to normal. Part 1 is a brief review of the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of ALL in children and adolescents with an introduction to Philadelphia chromosome positive ALL and is written in language that makes it ideal for use in teaching school personnel and other parents about ALL. Part 2 is a reflection of Abby Furco's transition to school after being diagnosed with this type of leukemia at 4 1/2 years of age. The accommodations and strategies employed for this student are likely to be useful and adaptable to assist other families and school communities as they work with children entering school with physical challenges.