Children with Cancer A Guide for Parents

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Being told that your child has cancer is extremely difficult. Many parents say they felt overwhelmed and confused in the first days and weeks after their child’s diagnosis. This guide has both medical information and coping advice that can help your child and your family.

Keep in mind:

  • You are not alone Your child’s treatment team has many specialists who will care for the physical and emotional needs of your child. They will also help support your family during this difficult time.
  • More children than ever before survive childhood cancer Most parents have good reason to be hopeful that their child will get better.
  • Knowledge is power Many people and resources are available to help you learn about the type of cancer your child has, how it’s treated, and what to expect.

This guide aims to give parents practical support that can help you find a doctor, talk with your child, help your family to cope, organize medical and insurance information, and learn about additional resources. It also includes information to help you learn more about specific types of childhood cancer, tests and procedures, treatments and clinical trials, health issues during treatment, steps to take if treatment isn’t working, and survivorship.

Types of Childhood Cancer

  • Cancer is a group of many related diseases, not one disease
  • Cancers in children are different from cancers in adults
  • The causes of childhood cancer are not well understood
  • Children of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds get cancer
  • More children survive cancer now than ever before
  • Teams of specialists treat children with cancer

Common symptoms

The early symptoms of childhood cancer are often similar to ones that are commonly seen in other illnesses. These symptoms may include fever, feeling tired, swollen glands, or weight loss. Others, such as bruising or tender joints or bones, may lead a parent to suspect an injury. When these signs and symptoms last or are severe, the doctor may order tests to check for cancer or other illnesses.

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Attribution

The source of this flipbook:
Children with Cancer: A Guide for Parents. (2015, September). National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/guide-for-parents

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