Childhood cancers gradually yielding to advances in diagnosis, therapy, knowledge of origin

Article Abstract:

One of the frequently-cited successes of modern medicine is the improved survival rates for childhood cancers such as acute lymphocytic leukemia (abnormal white blood cell production and uncontrolled growth and enlargement of lymph tissue). Between the 1960s and 1980s the survival rate for this disease has increased from 4 percent to greater than 70 percent. During the same time period the survival rate for other types of childhood cancer has increased as well. For example, the survival rate for osteosarcoma (bone tumors) has increased from 20 percent to 50 percent. The most common types of bone cancer in children under the age of 15 are osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma, and it is estimated that there are 320 new cases each year in the US. Tumors occurring in tissues other than bone (soft-tissue sarcomas) account for roughly 420 new cases each year, making them the fifth most common type of childhood cancer. More than half of these tumors are located in skeletal muscle. If the tumor can be removed by surgery, the length of survival is generally improved. Radiation treatments, once a day for five days a week, are used for Ewing's sarcoma and for soft-tissue tumors. Attempts are being made to alter cancer treatments so that they have fewer side effects. One approach, called hyperfractionation, involves giving more frequent, but lower doses of radiation. Another approach, in the case of Ewing's sarcoma, involves applying radiation to one small area of a diseased bone instead of radiating the entire bone. Chemotherapy trials with the drug ifosfamide are giving encouraging results in treating osteosarcomas that cannot be removed by surgery. Doctors are optimistic about new methods that are being developed for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Diagnosis, Demographic aspects, Cancer, Cancer treatment, Cancer in children, Childhood cancer, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Tumors in children, Pediatric tumors, Ifosfamide

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As nation grows older, falls become greater source of fear, injury, death

Article Abstract:

Falls can be serious and even fatal in the elderly. Between 6 and 10 percent of falls by older persons result in injuries, which consist mostly of fractures. Out of all deaths reported annually that are the result of a fall, 74 percent occur in individuals over age 65. Another problem which can seriously curtail normal activity in the elderly is the fear of falling. Relatively little research has been done to determine why these falls occur, although a number of studies that are currently underway are addressing this issue. The interaction of a number of factors appears to contribute to these falls. The risk factors include biological risks such as poor sight and weakness, as well as environmental factors such as slippery surfaces and shoes that do not fit well. Some other factors are impaired judgement and poor physical fitness. The National Institute on Aging and the National Center for Nursing Research have concentrated their efforts on modifying risk factors to prevent falls. Prevention initiatives are currently underway to promote research and to design interventions that will reduce the incidence of falls in the elderly. The areas that have been stressed are: improving physical functions, such as strength and balance, in the elderly; providing better environmental conditions; and alleviating fear in the elderly. Other areas that have been targeted for investigation are postural hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when changing body position), medication use, and balance and walking problems. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Aged, Elderly, Research, Injuries, Risk factors, Falls (Accidents), Accidental falls, Fractures (Injuries), Fractures

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Care for working parents' children grows as a challenge for nation

Article Abstract:

The provision of high quality child care is a major concern of most parents. Fifty percent of mothers with pre-school age children and 70% of mothers with school-age children work outside the home and these numbers are expected to increase by the year 2000. Child care experts have developed accreditation standards for day-care centers, but many centers do not meet the standards. In 1990, Congress passed legislation to increase funding for child care, and a bill introduced in 1991 would give working parents 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a newborn infant. The 1991 report of the National Commission on Children urged the federal government to assist states in regulating child care centers. Child-care lobbyists may help bring the problem of inadequate childcare to the attention of legislators. Child care could be provided by local schools, a situation that already exists in many states. Businesses are also providing more child care to their employees.

Planning, Child care, Working parents, Children of working parents

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