I am a child / teenager diagnosed with cancer

When you ask your doctor or parent to help you understand what is happening to you, it shows a lot of courage. 

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?’

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.

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.

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.

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.