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PARENTS' FAQS
If your child has cancer, of if your child has a classmate with cancer,
you can find some answers to commonly asked questions here. This
information is written for parents and does not cover some of the
more basic questions that children might have. Information written
for children about cancer can be found on the Kids'
FAQs page.
- What are the most common types of childhood cancer?
Even though cancer is a rare disease, there are some types that
are more common for children to have than adults. Leukemia, cancer
of the bone marrow, is the most common type of childhood cancer.
Other common types of childhood cancer include brain tumors and lymphoma.
Cancer is not contagious like a cold or the flu. It is no one's
fault when children get cancer.
- What are the treatments for childhood cancer?
Several doctors work together to form a cancer treatment team
to help children with cancer get better. The team can consist
of oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and other doctors and
nurses who specialize in caring for children with cancer. The
types of cancer treatments are chemotherapy, radiation,
and surgery. Treatments are done to make cancer go into remission,
when there are no more detectable cancer cells in the body.
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- What other special health concerns are there for children
with cancer?
Children with cancer are more likely to catch common illnesses
like colds, the flu, or chickenpox. Because their immune system
might not be working properly, these illnesses can cause health
problems for children with cancer or children having certain cancer
treatments. It is important for children with cancer and everyone
they come in contact with to be in the habit of washing their
hands with soap often.
Some children with cancer might lose their hair or develop skin
sensitivities from treatments. Mild soaps and detergents should
be used to lessen the irritation. There can also be dietary concerns.
Some foods can taste different and others can cause an upset stomach.
Most treatments can make a child feel very tired.
Other children with cancer might have a special tube in their
bodies, often under the collarbone. The tube—also called
a central
line—is used to give medicines without a needle stick.
Children with a central line have to be careful not to bump it
or get it wet.
- How can childhood cancer affect the school experience?
Children with cancer will often miss many days of school due to
tests and treatments. This can mean missing lessons as well as
the social interactions that take place in a typical school day.
Classmates might have questions that a child with cancer does
not know how to answer. Also, a child with cancer might not be
able to participate as they once did in physical education classes
or active recess games because they can get tired more easily.
Although these issues can be difficult,
it is important for children with cancer to return to
school as soon as they can. This can help reestablish
normalcy and routine. A school reentry program such as
Crusaders Against Cancer , can make the transition
easier for the child with cancer, his or her classmates,
and teachers. Visit Materials
to learn more about the Crusaders Against Cancer
school reentry program.
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- What kinds of things should the school know about a
child with cancer?
After a child has been diagnosed with cancer, contact the principal
as soon as possible regarding the child's condition. This can
help establish open lines of communication between the school
and the family, which will be important when the child returns
to school. Teachers and other school personnel will need to know
about limitations on the child's daily activity, including physical
education classes and outdoor play at recess. This can also help
to alert teachers to any upcoming prolonged absences or dietary
rules your child might have to follow as a result of treatment.
Specific educational concerns should be addressed with the child's
teachers as soon as possible after returning to school. Please
visit Legal Information for a description of the
accommodations schools make for children with chronic illnesses such as cancer. Also
see Challenges for more information on what to
expect during this time.
- My child has cancer. What are some common questions
his or her classmates might ask?
Young children will be curious and might not know how to phrase
their questions in a sensitive manner. Because school-age children
have difficulty with abstract concepts and tend to think in concrete
terms, they will most likely want to know how your child got cancer
and if they can catch cancer from your child. You and your child
can visit My
Classmate Has Cancer, Going
Back to School, and the Presentation
Helper for more information on how to talk to classmates about
cancer. Also, see Challenges for ideas on how to
talk with your child about these concerns.
- My child has a classmate with cancer. How can I talk
to my child about it?
If your child knows someone at school with cancer, he or she will
probably have a lot of questions. It is all right to tell your
child that you don't know the answer and will have to look
it up. Check out My
Child Has a Classmate with Cancer for some tips. You and your
child can also visit the Kids'
FAQs and My
Classmate Has Cancer. Knowing someone with cancer can be a
learning experience for everyone.
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