Long-Term Outlook for a Child with Leukemia
Prognosis greatly depends on:
Extent of the Disease / Initial Response to Treatment / Genetics / Age and Overall Health of the Child
Child’s Tolerance of Specific Medications, Procedures, or Therapies / New Developments in Treatment
As with any cancer, prognosis and long-term survival can vary greatly from child to child. Prompt medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis. Continuous follow-up care is essential for the child diagnosed with leukemia.
Significantly, more children than ever are surviving childhood cancer. Over the last 30 years, survival into adulthood increased from 30 percent to 80 percent. There are new and better drugs and methods to help children deal with the side effects of treatment. And children who have had cancer now have a better quality of life throughout childhood and into adulthood; fewer long-term ill effects follow the treatment.