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Having had cancer as a child can shape your life in ways that are different from those around you, and it helps to know that you are not alone in this.
Some survivors find that there are areas of life where extra thought or planning is needed. For example, certain treatment protocols may have long-term effects on the body that are worth monitoring, and it is always a good idea to stay in touch with your medical team about your health over time. Some survivors also find they need to navigate questions around insurance or employment, and in some communities, there can be social challenges that come with having had a serious illness.
At the same time, many examples around our community show that survivors of childhood cancer go on to live full, meaningful lives — and that the experience, as difficult as it was, has given them a strength, perspective, and appreciation for life that they carry with them.
Whatever your journey looks like, you deserve support, information, and the space to ask questions and find your way forward, and join like minded people!
Survivors say ‘Nothing about us, without us’. For this reason, Childhood Cancer International (CCI) inspired survivors from all over the world to form a Global Survivors Network called SurNet.
In 2024 Childhood Cancer International (CCI) started SurNet, with the aims to:
- Share knowledge and resources between survivors, patients, parents, and health personnel.
- create awareness about childhood cancer survivorship.
- discuss and find solutions for different realities, global survivorship challenges and global opportunities.
- create a sense of belonging.
- create a platform for survivors to inspire each other.
- provide peer support and empowerment.
- increase the quality of life and care for those affected by cancer.
- promote an equitable health care system for all.
For more information and to join the group, please write to survivors@cci.care or read more on Childhood Cancer International.
Related Articles
Long-term side-effects of childhood cancer survivors
Long-term side effects in childhood cancer survivors vary widely depending on the type of cancer, the treatments used (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, bone marrow transplant), and the child’s age at diagnosis. These side effects can appear months, years, or even decades later, and they’re often grouped into physical, cognitive, emotional and social impacts.
Life after cancer – what should I know and how do I cope with it?
Life is about choices. You can decide to be positive or negative, or you could lean on the strengths you discovered during your cancer journey. Your positive lived experience could bring hope to newly diagnosed children and their families. It is not an easy journey, and coping is different for everyone.