The font cover of Contact magazine with the theme 'Communication'.

Contact magazine: Communication

In this edition, we explore how each individual’s communication needs are unique – shaped by their personal experiences and preferred ways of sharing and receiving information. Clear communication is more than just a tool – it’s a bridge to support and the foundation of meaningful relationships, both of which are crucial during challenging times.

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  • Communication is key to supporting young people through cancer

Effective communication brings clarity to the exchange of ideas, knowledge, thoughts and opinions, so messages are clearly understood. In the care of children and young people with cancer, this must be done with compassion and an appreciation that everyone is different in how they want to communicate, and the methods they like to use.

Clear communication is more than just a tool – it’s a bridge to support and the foundation of meaningful relationships, both of which are crucial during challenging times. When done well, communication becomes a powerful enabler of connection and understanding.

Articles from this issue

A woman wearing a pink hijab, glasses and a black fleece jacket with a yellow name badge that reads 'Hafsa' stands in front of a light green wall. She is smiling and looking directly at the camera.

60 seconds with Hafsa Karim

Hafsa Karim is a Speech and Language Therapist specialising in paediatric and adolescent oncology at UCLH and a member of CCLG. Here, she shares more about her role in working with children and young people with cancer.

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Investigating how DNA communicates with cancer-causing genes

Dr Lisa Russell at the University of Newcastle is leading a £100,000 research project, funded by Ruby’s ‘Live Kindly, Live Loudly’ Fund (CCLG). The study aims to identify key interactions between super-enhancers and proto-oncogenes that drive T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

A man with brown hair and glasses stands next to a woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a grey blazer.

Creating a good practice guideline for communicating with young people with cancer

Nurse Debbie Critoph and Dr Luke Smith are healthcare professionals and researchers in clinical communication in young people with cancer. Here, they tell us about how they developed good practice guidelines to help peers effectively communicate with teenagers and young adults (TYA) with cancer to engage them in the level of communication they need.

 A family selfie taken above a river features two young boys, a woman, and a man.

Social media: Finding the right balance for you

Mandy Berriman's son, Peter, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in January 2019 when he was eight years old. She tells us how using social media to find information and connect with other families both helped her and presented challenges during Peter’s treatment.

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How friends and family can better support parents to make decisions

Dr Liz Jestico is a senior lecturer in Children’s Nursing at Oxford Brookes University and researcher at the University of Bristol. Here, she tells us about a study she conducted where she talked to parents of children with cancer about how people in their social networks had supported them to make decisions.

 A woman with brown hair, dressed in a dark green coat, is crouched down on the beach, hugging her young daughter. The little girl has short hair and is wearing a bright yellow coat.

“Be as honest as you can and keep asking for support”

Kate Hibberd’s daughter, Meredith, was diagnosed with b-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in 2023 aged four. She tells us about how her family has navigated keeping people updated about Meredith's treatment, the importance of asking for support, and how connecting with other families of children with cancer helped them.

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How play fosters effective communication

Becky Rodgers is a health play specialist at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. She tells us about her role in supporting children and young people (CYP) and their families during treatment, helping them to process information and express their thoughts and feelings.

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The importance of multidisciplinary team working in children’s cancer care

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) working is essential in children’s cancer care. Dr Ren Manias, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Southampton General Hospital and Contact’s medical adviser, explains how effective communication and shared decision making improve survival rates, enhance quality of life, and support children and their families during their cancer journey.

A smiling woman with dark hair is holding her young son, who is bald and wearing a bright red jacket.

Clear and consistent communication was key for us

Lisa Radcliffe’s son, George, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma when he was three years old and sadly died when he was four. Here, she explains how she and her husband, David, quickly found their own approach to communicating with George during his treatment, and how this helped them.

A young girl with blonde hair and a big smile is hugging Taylor Swift

The network I needed: Peer support and a shared cause

Ellie Philpotts was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2011 aged 15. She explains how she found support from other young people with cancer and how, through awareness raising, writing and advocacy work, she’s hoping to help those who are newly diagnosed.

The font cover of Contact magazine with the theme 'Communication'.

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The font cover of Contact magazine with the theme 'Communication'.