It is normal to worry if your child has symptoms of any illness. Cancer in children is not common, it is unlikely that your child will develop cancer. Yet cancers in children can be hard to recognize right away because early symptoms are often like those caused by more common illnesses or injuries. Children often get sick or have bumps or bruises that might mask the early signs of cancer. Take a closer look to the following sections to help you go through these uncertainty moments.

Finding out that your child has cancer is devastating to hear Even if you have been told that cancer is a possibility, hearing this confirmed by a doctor is overwhelming, for you, your child and the rest of the family. Here you will find material to better understand cancer and this technical and complicated universe you are entering. You will also find information about the treatments your child is likely to have and which health professionals will be looking after him/her.

When you first learn your child has cancer, everything seems to change in an instant. You may feel like your life has been turned upside down. Once the shock wears off, the process of making changes begins. You may have to rearrange tasks and routines in your life as your child starts treatment. You probably have a lot of questions to ask about adjusting to all the new issues that cancer brings. Following section provides insights and advice to help you understand what will happen and hopefully better cope during your child’s treatment.

The completion of your child’s cancer treatment is a big step! However, it may also be a time that brings new challenges. Many families are surprised by anxious feelings that arise during this long-awaited time, when they expected to feel only relief. Instead of this being a time to go back to life as it used to be, it may be a time of continued adjustment, as you leave the security of the people on your child’s health care team. Some said the transition to life after treatment took longer and was more challenging than they thought it would be. You may worry that the cancer will return. Your child may struggle to get used to new routines. Some families enter this new phase feeling stronger, whereas others are more fragile. You may be wondering how to put this experience behind you and return to normal life. There is no perfect way. Just as each child’s treatment is different, transition back to a ‘new normal’– a phrase often used by cancer survivors and their families This section has tips and information about follow-up and survivorship care for children who have been treated for cancer.

Despite the health care team’s best efforts, it may not be possible to cure your child’s cancer. But this does not mean it is untreatable. Children with advanced cancer sometimes live for many months or even years. The goal shifts from being able to cure the disease to providing the best quality of life for your child and managing their symptoms. You and your child will be looked after by a specialist team with expertise in managing symptoms and providing emotional and practical help and support to the whole family. This makes it possible for the child to enjoy a high quality of life for as long as possible. This section shares what parents and professionals have found to be helpful or unhelpful at this very difficult time, and suggests ways you can help your child and make choices about end-of-life care.