September is childhood cancer awareness month. In this blog, our information team volunteer Nisrin looks at getting the information and support you need when your child has cancer.
Support when your child has cancer
No one wants their child to be ill, so when you are told that your child has cancer, your whole world will probably seem like it’s caving in. You may feel numb, or in physical pain. The emotions you feel can be overwhelming. You may feel fear, denial, sadness, guilt and anger. You’ll probably be asking, ‘Why has this happened to my child?’ These are all normal reactions. It’s important to remember that it’s not your fault that your child has cancer, and it’s not because of anything you have or haven’t done.
There are many different types of childhood cancer, but research shows that survival rates are increasing. There have been huge improvements in cancer treatment for children in the past 50 years. Over 8 in 10 children with cancer are now cured, compared with fewer than 3 in 10 between 1962 and 1971.
Your child’s cancer diagnosis and treatment will affect not just your child, but the whole family, and in many different ways. But you and your family are not alone. There are many healthcare professionals and support organisations that understand what you are going through. They are here to help you through this difficult time. They will offer practical, emotional and financial support.
One such organisation is CLIC Sargent. They are one of the UK’s leading cancer charities for children and young people, and their families. They offer clinical, financial and emotional support to help you cope with cancer and get the most out of life. CLIC Sargent Social Workers can answer questions that you and your child have, and put you in touch with other sources of support. They also provide age-appropriate resources to explain cancer and its treatment, and help you deal with the impact that cancer can have on siblings and other family members. CLIC Sargent also understand the practical difficulties you may face, such as getting accommodation during hospital stays, so they offer ‘Homes from Home’ close to specialist treatment centres, where you can stay for free. To find out all the other ways they can help, visit www.clicsargent.org.uk
Join in with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
This September CLIC Sargent are running Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, they hope to raise awareness of the impact of childhood cancer, and of CLIC Sargent’s work supporting young cancer patients and their families. There many ways you can join in this awareness month, from donating or fundraising to wearing a yellow ribbon.
Useful websites
Websites you may find helpful are:
Books for children and parents
There are lots of resources available to help you and your child through your cancer journey. For example:
To see what else Macmillan's cancer information team has been blogging about, please visit our blog home page! You can subscribe to receive our blogs by email or RSS too.
We're with you every step of the way
The Macmillan team is here to help. Our cancer support specialists can answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen if you need a chat. Call us free on 0808 808 00 00.
Comments? Feel free to add them below (you need to be logged in).
Keep in touch Follow Macmillan’s cancer information team on Twitter @mac_cancerinfo
