Radiation therapy preparation by a multidisciplinary team for childhood cancer patients aged 31/2 to 6 years.

Approximately 50% to 60% of children with cancer require radiation therapy. Radiation is one modality of treatment for pediatric malignancies and is used as complementary, palliative, emergency, or sole treatment. The goal of this program was to provide the child and family with coping strategies and minimize the necessity for anesthesia during radiation treatment. Since the beginning of the project, 55 children have participated in the preparation program. The developers of the program have found it worthwhile for the program to be flexible and matched to each child's and family's specific needs and capabilities. It has been found that the radiation therapy preparation program minimizes anxiety and increases satisfaction with care among the child, family, and staff involved.