(10/23/06) NEW HYDE PARK - Despite the difficulties of chemotherapy, some doctors believe ridding children of cancer with the treatment is well worth the initial suffering.

Dr. Mark Atlas, a pediatric oncologist at Schneider Children's Hospital, says the common doctor's point of view looks at the long term. He says the suffering of a child for several months is a worthwhile investment for a healthier future. Dr. Robert Borzone says it is difficult for a child, and an adult as well, to undergo chemotherapy because of the lifestyle changes associated with the treatment. According to Dr. Borzone, some dietary and supplementary rules are very strict and sometimes prohibitive.

Prosecutors charged a Mastic mother with child abuse after she allegedly refused chemotherapy for her 5-year-old daughter. Dr. Atlas says, in very rare cases, doctors will go to court if a parent refuses a treatment. He says the treatment must have a scientifically proven high cure rate in order to proceed.