Children's Cancer Centers and Standards

Children's Cancer Centers
Children's cancer centers are hospitals or units in hospitals that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children and adolescents. Most children's cancer centers treat patients up to the age of 20.

Because childhood cancer is relatively rare, it is important to seek treatment from specialized cancer programs that are familiar with the appropriate treatment for children with cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, studies have shown that children's survival rates are 20 to 40 percent better if their cancer care is coordinated by pediatric oncologists and delivered at comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer centers that follow established protocols. Additionally, these centers participate in specially designed and monitored research studies, which will help develop more effective treatments and address issues of long-term childhood cancer survival. However, being treated at a specialized childhood cancer center does not necessarily mean that parents and patients have to choose to receive treatment as part of a study or clinical trial. Participation in research studies is always voluntary.

Children's Cancer Center Standards
The National Cancer Institute and the following groups have established standards for children's cancer centers or programs:

• The Children's Oncology Group (COG) is a network of children's cancer centers, which meet strict quality assurance standards.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published "Guidelines for the Pediatric Cancer Center and Role of Such Centers in Diagnosis and Treatment" in 1986 and 1997.
• The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPH/O) established standard requirements for programs treating children with cancer and blood disorders.

These four groups specify that a center of excellence in childhood cancer must offer comprehensive professional care, which would include the following: trained pediatric oncologists, doctors who specialize in childhood cancer and different specialists who work as a team; pediatric surgeons and specialist surgeons, such as neurosurgeons and urologic surgeons; radiation oncologists; pathlogists; nurses; consulting pediatric specialists; psychiatrists; oncology social workers; nutritionists and home healthcare professionals.

To find a children's cancer center that meets these standards, ask your family's pediatrician or family doctor; often he or she can refer you. Families and health professionals can also call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS) at 1-800-4-Cancer. CIS can provide you with names, addresses and telephone numbers for children's cancer centers that belong to the Children's Oncology Group.