Kentucky ranked 4th worst for childhood brain cancer

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Childhood cancer is a diagnosis that no family, parent or child wants to hear. It is a scary time filled with uncertainty and many more questions than answers.

The state of Kentucky is about even with the national average for childhood cancer expect for one type of cancer – childhood brain cancer. With brain cancer, Kentucky rates the fourth highest in the country. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Norton Children’s Hospital is taking the time to spread awareness about childhood cancer.

With many advancements in treatments such as chemo therapy, radiation and surgery, there are ways to attack a cancer, but ultimately, it is up to a parent to make sure their child is healthy.

“I would start as a pediatrician. And, again, you know, certainly advocate for for your child. You know, if you’re really worried, typically your pediatrician, your sons or daughters pediatrician will be concerned and, usually they will take it seriously and they will order the scan, or they may again refer you to see the eye doctor or the neurologist and or just say, you know, I’m worried enough that you really just need to take your child to the emergency department,” said Mustafa Barbour, a pediatric neuro-oncologist with Norton Children’s Hospital.

Symptoms of brain cancer could include a headache severe enough that it interferes with a child’s life like playing or doing school work. If you are concerned for your child, you should contact your pediatrician immediately.