All articles tagged with #childhood leukemia
A toddler diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia was given a prognosis of just 2.5 to 3 years to live but defied expectations by undergoing successful treatment and is now in remission, highlighting the advances in pediatric cancer care and the importance of early intervention.
A Swedish study finds that children born via planned C-sections have a 21% higher risk of developing childhood leukemia (ALL), though the overall risk remains low. The study suggests potential mechanisms involving microbial exposure and stress hormones during labor, but emphasizes that C-sections are often medically necessary and the findings should not cause undue concern. More research is needed to confirm these results across different populations.
Childhood leukemia, once nearly always fatal before the 1970s, has become highly treatable with survival rates in North America and Europe now exceeding 85%, thanks to advances in chemotherapy, targeted drugs, immunotherapy, supportive care, and international collaboration in research.
A study by Oregon State University and collaborators has found a link between radon gas exposure and increased childhood leukemia rates, even at levels below the EPA's mitigation threshold. The research, which included data from Utah, suggests that children exposed to radon concentrations of 1.9 pCi/L or higher have a higher risk of leukemia. Radon, a radioactive gas from decaying uranium, is prevalent in Utah homes, and health organizations recommend regular testing to mitigate risks. The study calls for further research to confirm causation.
Elyas Amyr Marshall-Rodriguez, a 9-year-old boy in remission from leukemia, tragically died after crawling under a school bus to retrieve a ball. Over a hundred people gathered for a candlelight vigil in his honor, remembering him as "the life of the party." The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the accident, and the school community is mourning the loss, with grief counselors available for support.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Illinois has found a significant correlation between the expansion of soy production and an increase in childhood leukemia deaths in Brazil. The study focused on the association between soy expansion, increased pesticide use, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) deaths in children. The researchers found that a 10-percentage point increase in soy production was associated with additional deaths from ALL in children under five and under ten. The study highlights the potential health implications of pesticide exposure and calls for measures such as training and education for agricultural workers, smart regulations for pesticide use, and access to healthcare to mitigate the risks.