Getting an early diagnosis for childhood cancer is crucial in order that the right treatment is started as soon as possible
The theme for this year’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is Diagnosis – a topic that could not be more important, writes Cancer Support UK CEO Mark Guymer.
For parents, recognising the signs of cancer in a child can be extremely difficult. Many symptoms of childhood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and brain tumours can appear very similar to common illnesses like flu or viral infections. These include:
- Persistent tiredness
- Fever
- Feeling sick
- Swollen glands
Because these symptoms are often mistaken for minor illnesses, it can take time to get a correct diagnosis – time that is critical.
Trust your instincts
As a parent, you know your child best. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and take your child to see a GP as quickly as possible. If symptoms don’t improve or you’re still worried, go back – or take your child to A&E.
Early diagnosis saves lives.
While childhood cancer is rare – with around 1,900 children under 15 and 2,200 young people aged 15–24 diagnosed each year in the UK – the earlier it’s found, the better the outcome.
Thanks to advances in treatment and research, survival rates have improved greatly, with over 80% of children now surviving for at least five years. But every day matters when it comes to getting that diagnosis.
A frightening time for families
Hearing the words “your child has cancer” is every parent’s worst nightmare. We often hear from families that they had to persist – sometimes over and over – before getting answers. That persistence matters.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is an important opportunity to keep sharing the signs and symptoms, and to highlight the huge emotional impact a diagnosis has on the entire family.
Other common childhood cancer symptoms
- Feeling very tired and exhausted all of the time and/or noticeable skin paleness
- Having lots of infections (such as ear, throat or chest) that don’t go away or keep coming back
- Having flu-like symptoms that don’t go away (such as lethargy, high temperature, being sick)
- Unexplained or excessive bleeding such as in urine, poo or when being sick
- Bruising easily or a rash of small red spots on the skin (called ‘petechiae’)
- Persistent and unexplained sweating or fever especially at night
- Aches and pains that don’t go away, especially in the bones, joints, back or legs, and may be worse at night
- Unexplained new limp or leg weakness
- Changes when going for a poo such as constipation, diarrhoea, pain or feeling of not having finished
- Feeling a lump, swelling or unusual firmness anywhere on the body, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or armpits
- Losing a significant and unexplained amount of weight in teenagers
- Slow growth in children
- Change in behaviour such as persistent crying and screaming in young children, sleeping a lot, being off food
How Cancer Support UK helps
At Cancer Support UK, we believe no child – and no family – should face cancer alone. While medical teams take care of treatment, we’re here to provide practical and emotional support during the toughest times.
The Kids’ Cancer Kit contains a special sensory Warmies® bunny, which provides soothing comfort
Kids’ Cancer Kits – comfort in a bag
When a child is facing long hospital stays, cancer treatment can feel frightening and isolating. Our Kids’ Cancer Kits were developed in consultation with parents and children to bring comfort, distraction, and a little joy.
Each kit contains:
✔ A warmable sensory bunny for cosy cuddles
✔ Colouring sets and a notebook for creativity
✔ Puzzle books and toys for fun distractions
✔ Cosy socks for cold toes
✔ Practical items like tissues and antibacterial wipes
As one parent told us:
“The Kit was so much more than a bag of things – it showed my child that someone cared.”
These Kits are completely funded by donations. We receive no government funding – every Kit exists because of the kindness of supporters.
Bringing joy through creativity
Last year, we launched our Dream Bestie competition, in partnership with Warmies®. Children in treatment designed their dream cuddly friend – and the winning design, Bat Cat by 10-year-old Spencer, is now a real toy being sold to raise funds for more Kids’ Cancer Kits.
The competition gave children something positive to focus on during treatment – and the excitement of seeing their drawings brought to life was unforgettable.
Coming soon: Support for family and friends
Behind every child with cancer is a network of parents, carers, and loved ones doing everything they can to help – often while carrying an enormous emotional burden. We’re developing new Family and Friends Support Groups to ensure no caregiver feels alone.
Together, we can make a difference
This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, please help us keep raising awareness of the signs and symptoms – and continue supporting families through their toughest times.
Every day, a child faces cancer with fear and uncertainty. You can make a difference. Your gift will help fund Kids’ Cancer Kits for those who need them most. Help us deliver more Kids’ Cancer Kits. Donate today
