I am a child / teenager diagnosed with cancer
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- helpful approaches for patients
- practical ways children can cope
- understanding my illness
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helpful approaches for survivorspractical ways children can copehelpful approaches for patients
I face physical challenges: how do I adapt to the new life-style changes?
helpful approaches for patientspractical ways children can cope
How do I adapt to the new life-style changes: poor body image, fertility issues and puberty changes
practical ways children can cope
How to approach emotional challenges: separation from family, friends and home
helpful approaches for patients
I have many questions. Who can I talk to?
When you ask your doctor or parent to help you understand what is happening to you, it shows a lot of courage.
helpful approaches for patientsunderstanding my illness
What is happening to me?
You may ask: ‘Why is this happening to me? Will I be ok? Why do I have to go through this? What happens if I don’t get better?’
helpful approaches for patientspractical ways children can cope
When can I go home?
We understand that you want to go home and that you miss the comfort, safety and normalcy of your home.
We also understand that you might feel lonely, bored, uncomfortable or that you are missing your family, friends or pets. We are keeping you in the hospital to keep you safe so that the medicine and treatment could make you better.
Know that as soon as the medical team feels that you are okay, you will be able to go home.
helpful approaches for patientspractical ways children can cope
How do I cope as a patient?
The childhood cancer journey is a tough one, not only because of the treatment, but also because of the emotions, changes, and uncertainties that come with it. Nobody (patient, parents, families) can do it on their own. As a childhood cancer community, we are here to walk the journey with you.
Remember that it is not your fault that you have cancer and you did nothing to cause it. Focus on today (the present) and take things one step, one treatment, one day at a time. Learn to lean on others and let people support you; you don’t have to be strong all the time.
helpful approaches for patientspractical ways children can cope
Why do I have to stay in the hospital?
The hospital is a place where doctors and nurses help you to get better. However, it is normal for anyone to feel scared, anxious, confused, angry or frustrated about having to stay in the hospital.
understanding my illness
I don’t understand my illness
Our bodies are made up of tiny blocks called cells. Our bodies are made up of tiny blocks called cells. When you have cancer, one of these cells in your body is growing faster than what they should. Normal cells grow, work and when our bodies don’t need them anymore, they die in a controlled way. A cancer cell doesn’t follow that rule and your body needs help to get rid of it.
Cancer is not contagious; you didn’t do anything to cause it.
Below are some interesting materials that you can check to better understand cancer.