Dr Sarah Evans, Head of Research at CCLG, describes what patient and public involvement (PPI) involves. PPI is about researchers and those who fund research teaming up with people who have personal experience with a health condition. This collaboration helps make sure that research focuses on what really matters to the people it’s meant to help, like patients and their families.
The relationship between oncologists and parents of children with cancer can be complex and unique, with each family having differing needs. Dr Ren Manias, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Southampton General Hospital and Contact's medical adviser, tells us how open and honest communication between doctors and parents is key to developing trust and understanding, and why this is important.
Kay Lewis’ daughter, Maisy, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in both eyes when she was nine months old. Kay explains what helped them after treatment, and how Maisy continues to inspire her.
Following a childhood cancer diagnosis, parents may find relationships with those around them change, while they may also develop a number of new relationships during their child’s treatment. Here, Dr Amandeep Samrai, Consultant Clinical Psychologist in Paediatric Oncology at Nottingham Children’s Hospital, talks about how relationships can be both helpful and challenging during childhood cancer treatment.
Claire Bailey's daughter, Poppy, was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma in July 2020 aged four. She writes on how the relationships she’s formed with other families have provided support both during and after Poppy’s treatment.
Sophie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in April 2021 at the age of seven. Her mother, Tanya, shares her story.
Today (1 September) marks the beginning of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM). This year, in addition to raising awareness of childhood cancer and its signs and symptoms, CCLG is shining a light on research and how, without it, progress in its treatment and care would not be...
People often say that childhood cancer is rare - but is this accurate? Why parents, families, and people who have had cancer often prefer not to use the term rare.
Samuel Priestley was 14 years old when diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma in 2018. After almost four years of intense treatments and operations, Samuel passed away in February 2022, aged 18.
