Atrium Health Navicent observing pediatric cancer awareness month, offers local care in Middle Georgia

The most common types of cancer are leukemias, lymphomas, and brain and other central nervous system tumors.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –Atrium Health Navicent is observing Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month during September.

Pediatric cancer is the second leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 14. The most common types of cancer are leukemias, lymphomas, and brain and other central nervous system tumors.

Atrium Health Navicent pediatric hematology and oncology specialist, Dr. Sushmita Nair, says nearly 15,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Dr. Nair says that children with cancer are able to get treatment and care close to home in Middle Georgia, rather than having to travel to Atlanta or other major cities.

The pediatric oncology program is able to diagnose and treat various pediatric cancers including leukemias, lymphomas, tumors of the liver, kidneys, bone, muscle and nerve tissue.

According to Atrium Health Navicent, the program has an onsite laboratory, infusion center, educational library, playrooms as well as child life specialists and family therapists.