Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río (Jun 2017)
Social reincorporation and quality of life in children with leukemia
Abstract
Introduction: cancer in general, even in pediatric ages has been a scourge that has affected humanity in all times. Before the 1960s, the word cancer was synonymous with death, but with the course of time, the tenacity of scientists, the development of molecular biology, and the availability of more effective treatments have allowed opening a new perspective for those who were previously "predestined to death”. Objective: to discuss about the importance of social reincorporation and the repercussion on their quality of life of pediatric patients with cancer once cured. Final considerations: the area under discussion was approached with systematic pieces of knowledge starting from the conceptions and more general aspects until arriving at the precision of the own aspects of pediatric patients affected by cancer. Criteria were formulated that can be of concern not only for patients but also for relatives, trying at all times to raise awareness of those professionals and authorities that in one way or another participate in this process. Conclusions: the survival rates that are currently obtained in pediatric patients with cancer make it necessary to address new clinical and psychological problems in the follow-up of these patients. The activity should include both the sick child and his / her family, neighbors, teachers and classmates, who must learn to manage the new situation of the patient once he / she is incorporated into normal life standards.
