Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders
At Beacon Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program, we work to provide an early diagnosis and effective treatment of blood cancer and other blood disorders. We understand that chronic illness doesn’t just impact your child – it affects the whole family. That’s why our team of professionals provides personal counseling, psychological support and coordination of treatment to help lessen the impact of chronic disease on your family.
What is a Blood Disorder?
A blood disorder is a condition affecting red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. Two common types of blood disorders are:
- Anemia – Occurs when there is not enough red blood cells or when red blood cells do not function properly
- Bleeding disorders – Group of conditions that result when the blood cannot clot properly
What is Blood Cancer?
Blood cancers start in the blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system. They interfere with your body’s ability to fight infection.
Three common types of blood cancer are:
- Leukemia – Starts in your blood and bone marrow
- Lymphoma – Starts in your lymphatic system
- Myeloma – Starts in your white blood cells
Services We Provide
- Chemotherapy: Children receive chemotherapy both in the outpatient department and on the inpatient pediatric floor. Treatments are given by chemotherapy-certified nursing personnel and are overseen by a board-certified pediatric oncologist.
- Radiation therapy: Children may receive radiation therapy provided by radiation oncologists at Memorial Regional Cancer Center. Some children may travel to Indiana University in Indianapolis or Bloomington for special cancer radiation needs.
- Sickle cell therapy: We monitor children and adolescents with all forms of sickle cell disease, thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies.
- Blood transfusions: Cancer patients and patients with transfusion-dependent anemias receive transfusions of packed erythrocytes, platelets and other blood products.
- Specialized hematology testing: We provide evaluation and management of patients with anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and other blood disorders.
- Hemophilia management: Working in conjunction with the Indiana Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center (IHTC), we care for children and adolescents with all types of bleeding disorders and thrombophila.
- Nutrition counseling: Nutritional complications are common in children with cancer or severe blood disorders. We provide dietary surveillance and support as part of routine care.
- Teaching and school outreach: We educate patients, families, nursing students, medical students, residents and other interested groups.
- Pediatric oncology support group
- Bereavement services
- Family activities