How is childhood cancer treated?

The team identifies the cancer type, checks where it is in the body and reviews the child’s age, growth, development and general health. Surgery may remove a solid tumour. Chemotherapy travels through the bloodstream and can treat cancer cells in different areas. Radiotherapy uses focused energy; proton therapy may be discussed for selected tumours when limiting radiation to nearby healthy tissue is a priority.

Treatment can include hospital visits, medicines for nausea or pain, blood tests, infection precautions and support with school, eating, movement and emotional wellbeing. Fertility preservation should be discussed early because some treatments can affect future reproductive health. After active treatment, a survivorship care plan records follow-up needs and late effects to watch for.

Ask the team to explain the diagnosis and treatment schedule in language your child can understand. Keep a current medicine list, record temperatures if advised, and bring questions to appointments. Ask about central lines, vaccinations, school attendance, food safety, pain control and who to call outside clinic hours. If fertility may matter to your child later, request a fertility discussion before treatment starts.

Call the oncology team urgently for fever, chills, unusual sleepiness, breathing trouble, uncontrolled vomiting, dehydration, new bleeding, or redness and discharge around a line or wound. Easy bruising, a new lump or swelling, and unexplained fever should be assessed by a clinician; they can arise from many conditions and do not establish a cancer diagnosis.

What is the aim of each treatment? How will it affect growth, learning, fertility, teeth, bones or other organs? Which side effects require an immediate call? Can my child attend school or activities? What support is available for siblings and caregivers? How will follow-up be organised after treatment?