Childhood Leukemia in Primary Care

Some of the most serious diagnoses in pediatrics begin with common pediatric symptoms. A child comes in looking pale or with a febrile illness. They’ve been more tired than usual. Maybe they’re bruising easily or complaining their legs hurt. Individually, none of these symptoms are unusual. Together, or with persistence, they can tell a different story. Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, but its earliest signs often resemble the everyday illnesses.

The episode introduces Ashley Rogers, MD, a pediatric oncologist at Children's Hospital Colorado and faculty member at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, as the newest host of Charting Pediatrics. As David Brumbaugh concludes his remarkable nine-year tenure as host, he passes the microphone to Dr. Rogers, ushering in the next chapter of the podcast. 

Dr. Rogers joins the conversation to share her expertise on childhood leukemia, including key considerations for diagnosis, treatment, and the pediatrician's role in recognizing and managing these patients. This episode offers both valuable clinical insights and a warm welcome to a new voice who will continue bringing evidence-based pediatric education to listeners. 

In this episode, our experts discuss: 

• Earliest signs of leukemia pediatricians can look out for 
• How to distinguish between viral illnesses or leukemia 
• Red flags that shouldn’t be dismissed 
• Role of the pediatrician after a leukemia diagnosis