A mother sits on the sofa, with her sick child's head on a cushion in her lap.

My child and cancer

Information and resources to support you if your child currently has cancer, or if you are worried that your child might have cancer.

I am worried my child has cancer

When your child becomes unwell, it is understandable to worry that it could be cancer. Around 1,900 children (0-14 years old) in the UK are diagnosed with cancer every year.

A mother with her daughter sitting on her knee while she talks to a concerned-looking doctor.

My child has cancer

It is devastating to hear that your child has cancer and you will have many different feelings and emotions.

A group of children with their hands in the air, sitting in front of their teacher.

Dealing with school

Going to school is vital for children with cancer. School helps them to feel 'normal', rebuild their confidence and reduce the isolation and loneliness which many children with cancer face.

A young woman is sitting talking to her mother over a cup of coffee.

Other family members such as grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles or other close family relatives often have reactions similar to those of parents and may struggle to deal with some of the same emotions.

My child has finished treatment

For many parents, reaching the end of treatment can bring mixed emotions. This is the moment you have waited for since hearing your child’s diagnosis.

My child cannot be cured

Sadly, sometimes parents are faced with the devastating news that there are no more treatment options available for their child which means that a cure is now no longer possible.

I had cancer as a child

As one of over 45,000 survivors of childhood cancer now in the UK, it is important that you are offered the opportunity to understand your previous treatment and how it might impact your future health.

A doctor explaining something to a young man.

Medical terms explained

Doctors may use unfamiliar words that you don’t understand. Here are some of the most common ones explained (alphabetically).

Online community

If you are a parent or carer of a child with cancer, join our Facebook Parent and Carers Group.

Helping children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries

High-income countries can now cure around 80% of children with cancer, but in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) the cure rate can be as low as 20% or less.

Other health guidance

This section provides advice and guidance on how widespread health concerns, e.g. coronavirus or measles, might affect children and young people with cancer.