CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Childhood brain cancer is a tough diagnosis that an increasing number of parents are facing. 

 

What You Need To Know  

  • A recent study led by the American Cancer Society shows malignant brain tumors in children have increased slightly since 2008, while in adults brain tumors have decreased 

 

Kinsley Stadler is 3 years old. Her mom Alexis Stadler says she has been through a lot for her age. Kinsley was born with two genetic disorders, and then in May, her mom noticed something else was wrong, but her doctors didn’t believe it was anything major.

“They said her brain scans two years ago were completely clear, and there is no way there is anything going in there,” Alexis Stadler said. “I am not one to take no for an answer when I think something is really wrong.”

As it turns out, Kinsley had a brain tumor. A recent study found that brain tumors in children have increased by .7% since 2008. While that percentage is small, the American Cancer Institute reports brain tumors are now the leading cause of cancer death in children.

Whereas for adults, it’s the 10th leading cause of cancer death. Researchers say we need additional data to figure out why the illness is more prevalent in children.

“We don’t have a ton of answers of what a prognosis looks like so we are just taking things as it comes,” Alexis Stadler said.

Kinsley is now undergoing chemotherapy to prevent her tumor from growing, but her mom doesn’t know her daughter’s chance of survival after that.

“If it stops growing with the chemo, then after chemo is over we can assess where she is at and what is going on,” Alexis Stadler said.

In the meantime, she has a few words of advice for other parents. She recommends finding a support group and therapy. This includes therapy for parents, the patient and siblings.

“The diagnosis doesn’t just affect the child who was diagnosed, it affects the other children in the family as well,” Alexis Stadler said.

She also says to keep pushing for answers if you think something is wrong.

“Just keep fighting until someone believes you,” the mom said. “I don’t know if she would still be here if I hadn’t kept fighting.”