About 1 in 3 people in the United States will get cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. It's usually not easy to tell why that cancer develops – but researchers have established some of the main factors that can increase or decrease your overall cancer risk.
"When our son Chris was seven, he and my husband Jeff set a goal of hiking the entire 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail. It took them 17 years, and celebrating their progress helped me along my own journey. I'm still traveling my path – one treatment at a time."
Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer. There are some syndromes caused by mutations in the "germline" that are present in every cell of the body that can be inherited from a parent, creating a predisposition to a variety of cancers.
Katie Janeway, MD, is a pediatric oncologist and a cancer survivor, having been diagnosed and treated for acute myeloid leukemia in 2014. "I really want to show myself and others out there who are struggling with cancer that recovery is possible. And I can't think of better way to do that than training to run the Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber," Janeway says.
Neutropenia is a condition associated with a low white blood cell count. These types of white blood cells, called neutrophils, are made in the bone marrow and fight off infections. If there is a decrease in neutrophil production, an accelerated usage of neutrophils, or an increased destruction of neutrophils, the risk of infection increases, particularly those caused by bacteria or fungi.
We are committed to providing the most advanced and compassionate care possible. First appointments are often available within 24 hours. Connect online or call 866-705-0122 (adult patients) or 877-689-0699 (pediatric patients).
Dana-Farber's cancer podcast series covers a wide range of topics, including new research, the latest treatments, and survivorship. Download podcasts
SAVE THE DATE
Facebook live: Pediatric liver tumors
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:00 p.m. EST Facebook Live What's new in treatment and research for pediatric liver tumors? Join us on Facebook Live for a Q&A discussion with Allison F. O'Neill, MD, director of the Pediatric Liver Tumor Program. Get a reminder| View events calendar
Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai
Sunday, September 23, 2018 Four routes along the historic Boston Marathon course Walk to conquer cancer in the 30th anniversary of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai. Sign up and lace up to support Dana-Farber's mission to conquer cancer in children and adults. Register today
HOW TO HELP
Start a golf tournament
Honor a loved one, remember a patient, or support a colleague with help from Jimmy Fund Golf. Start your tournament
Jimmy Fund 5K & Fun Run presented by Bayer
Join friends, family, and other Jimmy Fund supporters for the first annual Jimmy Fund 5K & Fun Run on Sunday, July 22. Learn more
