Cancer & children
Children affected by cancer
We recommend being open and honest with young people about a cancer diagnosis. Reliable, age-appropriate information can help them understand and cope with changes.
But an honest discussion can be tremendously difficult, particularly if you've been diagnosed with cancer or are trying to cope with the diagnosis of someone close to you.
Although children can show a surprising natural resilience, experts recognise that understanding a child's specific needs, maintaining normal routines, and providing boundaries, comfort and love, are important.
Telling your child you have cancer
Children can quickly sense something's wrong, even if they're not told.
For schools
Information for students and teachers about cancer.
Books & other resources
A selection from our Helpline nurses that deal with children and cancer.
Children with cancer
A diagnosis of cancer for a young person causes huge shockwaves through a family. Parents, grandparents, siblings and others will respond in different ways. Children diagnosed with cancer have many concerns and reactions that are different from those of an adult who is diagnosed. Many child-specific services are available in Australia - see below.
Parents Cancer Connect
Talk to someone else who knows what it's like to be affected by cancer.
Children & brain tumours
Brain tumours are the second most common cancer in children.
Nutrition & kids with cancer
It's important to eat a balanced diet and keep active during treatment.
Links to useful sites
A comprehensive list of websites that deal with children and cancer.
Make a book
This example, by Tayla and her grandma:
Where is Mummy? (2mb)
Talking to kids about cancer (1.2mb)
