Coping with childhood cancer – practical support for parents and families

Grandmother with her grandaughter

Nancy’s grandmother Sandra couldn’t believe it when Nancy was first diagnosed. “Our lives changed overnight.”

A childhood cancer diagnosis is life-changing, not just for the child but for their entire family. While survival rates have significantly improved over the years, the journey through treatment is often long and challenging. Here, we offer practical advice to help parents navigate the emotional, logistical, and financial challenges of childhood cancer while ensuring they get the support they need.

The emotional impact on parents and families

When your child is diagnosed with cancer, it’s normal to experience a flood of emotions, including shock, fear, sadness, guilt, and anger. Every parent wants their child to be happy and healthy, so the disruption to normal life can feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that none of this is your fault, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

“They took us into a room and a consultant told us Archie didn’t have meningitis. We instantly felt relieved. But then, after a pause, the consultant uttered the most shocking words in the most matter-of-fact way – ‘but we do think he might have leukaemia’. With those words, my world fell apart.”Alex, mum of Archie, diagnosed with Leukaemia.

How to manage emotions:

  • Talk to someone – A partner, trusted friend, or professional counselor can help you process your feelings.
  • Take care of yourself – Eating well, getting rest, and finding moments of calm can help you support your child more effectively.
  • Accept help – Family and friends often want to support you; don’t hesitate to let them know what you need.
  • Seek professional support – Specialist nurses, medical social workers, and therapists can offer practical and emotional guidance.

For additional resources, visit Cancer Support UK’s signposting pages.

How to help your child cope

Children facing cancer often feel scared, isolated, and exhausted from treatment. While medical teams do their best to ease discomfort, parents play a crucial role in helping their child emotionally and socially.

Ways to support your child:

  • Create a sense of normality – Keep up with hobbies, favorite activities, and routines where possible.
  • Stay connected with school – Work with teachers and hospital educators to ensure your child doesn’t fall behind.
  • Use play therapy – Play specialists can help your child express their feelings and cope with hospital stays.
  • Be open and honest – Explain treatment in simple terms to help them feel more in control.
  • Encourage peer support – Engaging with other children facing similar experiences can help reduce loneliness.

For additional comfort, Cancer Support UK offers free Kids’ Cancer Kits to help make hospital stays a little easier.

We’re on a mission to ensure that a free Kids’ Cancer Kit is available to every child that needs one, and we want you to be part of it. Please donate today.

Practical ways family and friends can help

Many parents feel overwhelmed managing hospital visits, work, household responsibilities, and childcare. Here are ways family and friends can provide meaningful support:

  • Help with transport – Offering lifts to appointments can be a huge relief.
  • Assist with daily tasks – Running errands, cooking meals, or cleaning can ease the load.
  • Look after siblings – Spending time with your child’s siblings ensures they also feel supported.
  • Attend medical appointments – Having an extra set of ears helps with remembering important details.
  • Provide emotional support – Sometimes, just listening can make a world of difference.

Managing work and finances

Balancing work and caring for a sick child can be incredibly difficult. Speak to your employer about flexible working arrangements or time off under family leave policies. Financially, the costs of treatment, travel, and time off work can add up. There are financial support options available, so be sure to explore:

Taking time for yourself

Caring for a child with cancer is exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Taking small breaks, even just for a walk, a nap, or a conversation with a friend, can help you recharge. Accepting help from others is not a sign of weakness – it’s a necessity to keep going for the long haul.

Get involved and give back

Cancer Support UK aims to provide comfort and practical assistance to families affected by childhood cancer. One way to help is by supporting our Kids’ Cancer Kits, which bring comfort and joy to children undergoing treatment.

“Thank you so much for this Kids’ Kit. It has a number of very useful items, in particular for the sudden trips we have to make to A&E during his chemotherapy treatment.”

To learn more about available support services, visit Cancer Support UK.

Final thoughts

Facing childhood cancer is one of the toughest challenges any family can go through, but you are not alone. There is support available to help you through every step of the journey. Take each day as it comes, reach out for help when you need it, and remember to take care of yourself too.