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Chemotherapy In Adolescents

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Chemotherapy treatment is a series of drugs which is administered to a patient who has cancer. Although decision of the treatment is usually left up to parents when it comes to their children, adolescents should be given the chance to have the final say of whether or not it is something they would like to pursue. Providing the adolescents with the appropriate resources and information in regards to chemotherapy treatment can aid them in making a decision which is best for them. The same kinds of effects of the treatment are seen in both adults and adolescents but due to the development that adolescents are going through it has an even greater impact on their lives both physically and psychologically. The physical effects of chemotherapy treatment …show more content…

For some it may help to get rid of cancer completely, it may serve as a supplement to the removal of a tumor or it may stand alone as a treatment to help alleviate the symptoms for an incurable cancer. The harsh side effects which accompany chemotherapy can vary depending on the individual but overall the symptoms of fatigue, weight loss, pain, nausea and hair loss are usually common across the board (Chemotherapy, n.d.). Due to the harshness of chemotherapy treatments, an individual must make the decision of whether or not it is something they would like to pursue. In most cases, adults have the option of making the decision on their own. Children under the age of 18 on the other hand usually have their parents to make the decision for them, with the exception of special cases such as adolescents who are emancipated, when there is a legal guardian who is appointed or if a parent lacks the decision-making ability (Canadian Pediatrics Society, 2004, p. 100). The final say overall does come from whoever has authority over the minor. Although all children under the age of 18 may not be suited to make decisions for themselves, some are capable of making it. Adolescents should be able to make the decision of whether or not they want to go through a chemotherapy …show more content…

They also tie in closely with the psychological effects which develop as the treatment progresses. In one study conducted by Enskar and von Essen, it was found that in most 8 to 12 year olds, pain came from the diagnostic procedures and treatments. There were comparisons between children who were receiving treatment at the moment and those who had completed it. Of the children who were receiving treatment, they had more problems with hair loss and nausea compared to those who had completed the treatment (Enskar & von Essen, 2008, pp. 37, 39). During the duration of the treatment, the patients typically felt the physical effects even more compared to when it was completed. There is also a distinct comparison between which effects are emphasized between school aged children and adolescents. Children felt weak and tired physically while adolescents felt fatigue mentally and emotionally (Hooke, Garwick, & Gross, 2011, p.

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