A young diagnosis

When a child, teen or young adult is diagnosed with cancer, parents and other adults involved in their daily life are key to how the family copes with the diagnosis. Learn as much as you can and move forward by focusing on the child’s or young adult’s future.

For children – their diagnosis

At any age it is extremely difficult to hear that your body isn’t working at its best, especially when you know what you and your peers are capable of. Children and teenagers often respond to news of a cancer diagnosis with a range of emotions that can reflect those of their parents.

Babies and young children

• Give simple explanations of what’s going on.

• Do not tolerate aggressive behavior and continue to teach them to

express feelings in ways that don’t hurt them or other people. • Create opportunities for physical activities.

• Reward good behavior for cooperation with tests and procedures –

discuss the situation with social worker.

School-age

• Encourage them to identify their feelings with words.

• Offer repeated assurance that they did not cause the cancer.

• Pay attention to unasked questions and when they discuss fears and

concerns.

• Be attentive to your children’s reactions and seek advice from the cancer care team about finding extra counseling support, for them and you, if needed.