When told the diagnosis, you may feel numb or as if you have been physically hit. You may be shocked, bewildered, scared, sad, guilty, angry or may not be able to believe that this has happened to your child. These are normal reactions. It is important to remember that it’s not your fault your child has cancer and it’s not because of anything you’ve done or anything you have not done.
I never in a million years thought that a child of mine would ever get cancer!Melanie, mum of Ben diagnosed with ALL
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it obviously has a big impact on the whole family. Your child’s routine is likely to change, they may have to stay in hospital for treatment, and they’re likely to have regular hospital appointments.
This may feel overwhelming for you, your child and the rest of the family. But there are many healthcare professionals and support organisations and charities that can help you though this difficult time.
Our 'What happens next?' pathway shows what will happen at each stage of your child’s diagnosis and treatment and aims to answer any questions you might have.
Young peoples' cancer journey
My child has cancer... what happens next?
Diagnosis
This means finding out if your child has cancer and, if so, what type of cancer they have. Doctors will do this by assessing your child and their symptoms, and by doing tests.
Tests and scans
Various tests and scans will be done to diagnose your child's illness and to monitor your child throughout treatment.
Emotions and feelings
Having a child diagnosed with cancer will affect you as parents or carers, and the people close to you.
In hospital
Your child will usually need to spend some time in hospital during their treatment. All children and young people diagnosed with cancer are treated in one of the 21 specialist hospital centres across the UK and Ireland.
Treatment
The treatment your child has will depend on the type of cancer they have.
Looking after your child
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it obviously has a big effect on them. They may be very frightened as well as feeling unwell and having side effects of treatment to cope with.
Looking after yourself
You may feel overwhelmed with feelings and emotions and this is completely normal and understandable.