Children with cancer
Children with a cancer diagnosis.
A diagnosis of cancer for a child causes huge shockwaves through a family. Parents, grandparents, siblings and others will respond in different ways. It's common for different family members to experience a range of emotions, including anxiety, disbelief, anger, guilt and sadness.
Children diagnosed with cancer have many concerns and reactions that are different from those of an adult diagnosed with cancer. Many children-specific services are available in Australia - see our links below.
In Western Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital specialises in coordinating care for children diagnosed with cancer. There is also a comprehensive support network that provides support, information.
For further information or support please contact the Cancer Council WA Helpline 13 11 20.
Useful organisation websites that provide information and support for children affected by cancer.
Below is a comprehensive list of organisations and websites that provide information and support for children, including those diagnosed with cancer, and their siblings. Some of these organisations also offer support to children who have a parent with cancer.
- CanTeen - Offers meetings, camps, education seminars and outings for young people living with cancer; this includes cancer patients, siblings and offspring of adults with cancer. Canteen provides support services and programs for young people aged 12-24 affected by cancer.
- KIDSCOPE - Assists children and families to understand the effects of cancer or chemotherapy on a loved one, provides suggestions for coping, and develops innovative programs and materials that communicate a message of hope to diverse families coping with this crisis.
- American Cancer Society - (children and cancer) has an excellent range of information relating to children.
- Camp Quality - Provides camping and recreation opportunities for children with cancer (birth through to 18 years).
- Challenge House Cancer Support Network - Provides recreation-based camping and support for children and adolescents under 18 years receiving treatment for cancer, and their parents.
- Kids Helpline - Is a free, confidential telephone, email and web counselling service for 5-25 year olds.
- Make A Wish Foundation of Australia - Grants wishes to children under 18 years who have a life-threatening illness - Riprap. This site is especially for 12-16 year olds who have a parent with cancer. In riprap, you can learn more about cancer and its treatment and through individual stories you can see how this might affect you and your family.
- Ronald McDonald House in Perth provides accommodation for families of children suffering from cancer-related diseases and other life-threatening illnesses, who are receiving treatment at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
- Starlight Foundation - Grants wishes to chronically and terminally ill children.
- Redkite - offers support for children and young people to 21 years, and their families, offering hospital and community based support, financial assistance and education services.
