Supporting your child
They may be very frightened as well as feeling unwell and having side effects of treatment to cope with.
Being away from home, family, and friends, can also be difficult for a child to cope with. Understandably, this can have an effect on their behaviour. They may become very anxious, argumentative, or difficult.
Maintaining normal discipline during this time is reassuring for your child and can help them feel more secure.
Treatment may cause changes in their appearance, such as weight loss or gain, or hair loss. These changes can affect their confidence, especially for older children and teenagers
Talking to your child
One of the hardest parts of caring for a child with cancer is knowing what to say and how much information to give them.
Answering questions honestly is best. Some children may not ask questions, but this doesn’t mean they don’t want to know what’s happening. They may be frightened and uncertain of many things. Some children may even wonder if they have done something wrong and that’s why they have cancer.
You can ask your doctors or nurses for guidance on how to talk to your child.
Younger children may be frightened about being separated from their parents. It’s important to reassure them that any separation is only temporary. Older children may be more frightened of pain. It can help to explain that there are good painkillers available to help control any pain they have. Doctors and nurses will be happy to explain more about this and can help you reassure your child.
Discover More Stories…
Joseph’s update
We first met Joseph in 2019 after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Find out more how he is doing after his successful treatment.
Read moreKayin’s story
Kayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.
Read moreRebecca’s Update
Read more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.
Read moreHassan’s story
14-year-old Hassan from the Machinga district of Malawi was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) last year.
Read moreTiwo’s story
Five years after developing cancer and two years of treatment later, six-year-old Tiwo is doing well
Read moreFranklyn’s Story
Meet Franklyn, now 17, who is fully recovered from cancer and dreams of becoming a doctor to help others
Read moreRebecca’s Success Story
Rebecca is now able to return to school after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana
Read moreMy road to recovery
Prince went on to become a childhood cancer advocate and help many other children just like him when he recovered from leukaemia. Read More
Read moreEstaphanie is excited to start university!
Meet Estaphanie, who is excited to start university after being forced to take time out of school following a cancer diagnosis
Read moreMeet Bulu
Bulu is looking forward to following in his brother’s footsteps getting back on the football field
Read moreMeet Oscar
Oscar was six years old when his mother noticed a swelling on his tummy and took him to a traditional village doctor
Read more