Pediatric oncologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer in children and adolescents. They often times will also specialize in hematology – which is the study of blood disorders – and because of this, they are typically referred to as pediatric oncologists/hematologists. Pediatric oncologists usually treat patients until they reach the age of 20. They have tailored their skills and knowledge specifically towards helping children understand a cancer diagnosis and everything that comes with it.

Why do you need to see them?

You only need to visit a pediatric oncologist if you have a child or teen who has been diagnosed with or may have cancer. Children are usually referred to oncologists by their pediatricians. The symptoms of pediatric cancer can be hard to detect and may include:

• Bone pain, joint pain, weakness, weight loss, or bleeding (may be signs of leukemia)
• Vomiting, dizziness, headache, or balance problems (may be signs of a brain tumour)
• Diarrhea, droopy eyelids or dark circles under the eyes, and bodily pain (may be signs of neuroblastoma, or cancer of the nervous system)

Many other things can cause symptoms such as these. If it is cancer, choosing a pediatric oncologist is an important decision you’ll have to make.

What do they do?

Pediatric oncologists examine patients, order and analyze tests, and administer treatments. After pediatric oncologists give a cancer diagnosis, they manage the treatments they prescribe.

Pediatric hematologists/oncologists specialize in caring for children who have blood diseases and cancer.