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Pediatric Oncology

The Pediatric Oncology Program at Sanford Children's offers expanded programming for children. Because childhood cancer is relatively rare, it is important to seek treatment at a specialized cancer program that is familiar in the appropriate treatment of children with cancer. Through National Cancer Institute-sponsored Children's Oncology Group, the Pediatric Oncology Program participates in specially designed and monitored research studies. These studies help develop more effective treatments and address issues of long-term childhood cancer survival. Pediatric Support Groups Coping with Cancer Support groups for patients, parents and siblings whose lives have been affected by cancer. Families of children who are currently undergoing treatment, as well as those who are post-treatment are encouraged to attend. The groups are held several times a year at Sanford USD Medical Center. Call (605) 333-4279 for more information. Parents Pushing Forward A support group for parents of a child diagnosed with cancer. Discussion topics will include adjustment to family lives, long term effects and other important issues. Kids Kicking Cancer A support group for kids who are diagnosed with cancer, giving them an opportunity to see they are not alone. Topics will include treatments, fears of the illness, friends and siblings and more. Bonding Buddies A support group for siblings of a child diagnosed with cancer. Discussion/activity topics will include feelings, fears, responsibilities and others. Back To School Program This was developed as part of our continuum of care. This program consists of a pediatric oncology nurse coordinator visiting a cancer patient's school before the patient returns to the classroom. The nurse explains, in terms kids understand, what their classmate is experiencing and what they can expect when their friend returns to school. The nurse answers questions and educates them on healthy lifestyle habits. To ease the burden on parents and child, whenever possible, outpatient chemotherapy is administered close to their home. This has meant a commitment on our part to travel to outreach clinics in surrounding towns throughout the state to teach clinic nurses how to administer chemotherapy to children and adolesents. A celebration is held annually for all pediatric cancer survivors on National Cancer Survivor's Day. Special thanks to Henry and Eleanor Carlson for their support of this event, through the Carlson Family Endowment for Children's Cancer Care Fund through the Sanford Health Foundation. For information on the Pediatric Oncology Program, or any other pediatric services, please contact Healthformation at 1-800-445-5788 or 605-333-4444.