What is childhood cancer?

Childhood cancer is a group of cancers that affect children and teenagers, usually younger than 15 years.

If your child has been diagnosed with cancer, there will be physical, emotional and practical challenges ahead. You may have a lot of different feelings. Childhood cancer can disrupt your child’s and your family’s lives. There is lots of support and information out there to help both you and your family.

The most common childhood cancers are:

• leukaemia
• lymphoma
• brain cancer

Scientists have made big advances in cancer research. Treatments have improved and many cancers are now treatable. Survival rates have improved for many different cancers.

Your child’s outlook depends on what kind of cancer they have and what stage their cancer is at when they are diagnosed.

How might I feel if my child has been diagnosed with cancer?

It can be very distressing for your child to be diagnosed with cancer. You might feel:

• shocked
• angry
• sad
• guilty

Your child’s diagnosis can affect everyone around your child. This can include their teachers, friends and extended family. Remember, you are not alone.

How can I cope with my child’s cancer diagnosis?

If your child has been diagnosed with cancer, you may feel your world crashing down. This can be extremely difficult news to digest and cope with.

Emotionally, you may be able to cope better if you express how you feel. Share your feelings with someone you trust. Some people may struggle to talk. They may find that writing in a journal or drawing helps them cope with their difficult news.

Research has found that seeking counselling following your child’s diagnosis and continuing counselling throughout their treatment helps parents cope.

Here are some practical tips to help you cope:

• Gather information — before going to your child’s doctor, write down any questions you may have. This way you will not forget to ask all your questions. Jot down any important information during your meetings. Ask for medical summaries so you have information on hand. Do not be afraid to ask questions.
• Learn your rights — speak with your child’s social worker to learn what your rights are with regard to your job and financial and social support you can receive.
• Use hospital services and support team — your child’s healthcare team are here to support your child, yourself and your family.
• Stay positive and be realistic – accept that there could be some good days and some bad days.

How can I manage my child’s cancer treatments?

Here are some tips to help you manage your child’s cancer treatments:

• Stick to a routine when you can — this will be good for your entire family.
• Be prepared for side effects from treatments — ask what side effects your child is expected to experience and how to manage them. This way your child can be as comfortable as possible.
• Be honest with your child — prepare them for what is to come. Ask your health team for guidance on how much information as is appropriate for their age and development.
• Seek practical support — there is a lot of support available, including financial assistance, home nursing care or home care services. They can provide aids and equipment when you need it.
• If your child is getting treatments in an outpatient clinic and is home between treatments, ask who and when you would need to call for urgent help.

Cancer treatments can have a big psychological, social and physical impact on your child. The way the treatment affects your child will depend on their age, development, the type of cancer they have and the kind of treatments they are receiving. Together with your child’s medical team, you can discuss the impact it will have on your child and what support will be most suitable.

For information on helping your child cope with tests and procedures, you can visit the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne website.

How do I take care of myself?

It is important you take care of yourself as you are going through this journey. Here are some ideas:

• Let your family and friends know how they can help you — this may be with shopping, washing, cooking or cleaning.
• Join a support group — speak to other parents going through a similar journey to yours. This can help you feel validated and heard.
• Take time out and relax — do something for yourself. Find what works best for you. You may enjoy exercise or art classes, having a coffee with a friend or a quiet walk alone.
• Seek counselling — if you are struggling emotionally, speak with your doctor. They can help you get the support you need.

You might find it exhausting to repeat information to different people. You may decide to provide updates through:

• a private social media group
• email
• a blog post

Having a child with cancer can put a strain on the whole family. You will spend a lot of time caring for your child. At the same time, do not neglect your wellbeing. Taking care of yourself will make your journey that little bit easier to cope with.

How do I support my other children?

How you support your other children depends on their age, development and temperament. Having a brother or sister go through cancer can be an overwhelming and lonely time for your other children. Family relationships may be different to usual.

Your children may be resentful, angry or afraid. They may struggle to express and process their emotions. Their behaviour might change.

Here are some tips to support your other children:

• Talk to them, share with them what is going on and include them in family discussions and decisions when appropriate.
• Maintain your children’s regular routines and family life as much as possible.
• Share what is going on with your children’s schools and childcare. Your child’s performance and behaviour at school or childcare may be negatively affected. This way your child’s school or childcare can appropriately support them.
• Spend some time with your other children. Reassure them that you love them.
• Reach out for help — if you feel your child is struggling to cope with their sibling’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, speak with their doctor, or with the team caring for your child with cancer. They can help get the right support for siblings.

Your child’s cancer team can guide you on how best to support your children. They will consider your personal circumstances. Siblings Australia provides information and support for siblings of a child with an illness who are aged between 8 and 12 years.

Resources and support

Read more about support for children with cancer.

• Cancer Australia has more information for parents about living with childhood cancer.
• Kids Helpline also provides support for parents and carers. Call 1800 55 1800.
• Many parents of children going through cancer find it helpful to join a support group, either face to face or online. For more information visit Cancer Connect.
• Download Camp Quality's Kids’ Guide to Cancer app for age-appropriate cancer education for children up to 15 years old.
• To assist with the practical and financial costs of cancer treatment, Ronald McDonald House Charities provides accommodation near treatment centres.

Other languages

Canteen have translated their living with cancer resource into many community languages.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Our Mob and Cancer is a safe place for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to learn about cancer.