A childhood blood cancer diagnosis brings with it uncertainty, fear, and a lot of questions. The good news; however, is that most children with a blood cancer diagnosis can expect to have full and productive lives. Many childhood cancer survivors return to school, attend college, enter the workforce, and become parents.
Nevertheless, staying vigilant about follow-up care, understanding the long-term and late effects of treatment, and ensuring your child understands the importance of monitoring their health as they transition from adolescence to adulthood are all things you will need to manage—and we will support you every step of the way.
Working with your child’s care team
Choosing a pediatric blood cancer specialist or a treatment center
One of the first choices you’ll make for your child’s care will be selecting a specialist or treatment center to manage their care. Here’s what to consider.
Blood, bone marrow, and the lymphatic system in children and teens
Knowing how blood, bone marrow, and the lymphatic system function in the body will help you better understand your child’s diagnosis and treatment options.
Lab and imaging tests for children and teens
Your child’s doctor may use several of these common lab and imaging tests to help diagnose their cancer or find certain genetic characteristics that will determine the right treatment.
How to organize your child’s medical records
Keeping organized records of tests and information helps you to play a more active, informed role in your child’s care. Here’s what your files should include.
Communicating with your child’s specialist and care team
Find out who’s who on your child’s healthcare team and the questions you might want to ask them throughout your child’s treatment.
Making blood cancer treatment decisions for children and teens
How to get a second opinion, knowing what to ask your child’s doctors— these are things you will need to know before you move forward with your child’s treatment plan.
Types of blood cancer treatment for children and teens
Learn about some common cancer treatments you may discuss with your child’s doctor.
Integrative medicine and complementary therapies for children and teens
Complementary therapies, such as yoga and meditation, can benefit your child’s well-being without interfering with standard blood cancer treatments.
Caring for your child during blood cancer treatment
From sleep to nutrition, here’s how you can keep your child healthy at home.
How to tell a child they have blood cancer
What to keep in mind when speaking with a child about their cancer diagnosis.
Coping with a childhood blood cancer diagnosis
Our coping tips for you, your child, their siblings, friends, and others—everyone in a child’s life is affected by their diagnosis and needs support. Find it here.
Caring for a child newly diagnosed with blood cancer
You already provide for your child in many ways, but caring for a child with cancer brings new challenges. Find out what to expect and the people and resources available to you for help.
Paying for your child’s blood cancer treatment
Learn about tools, guides, and lists of free resources to help manage your finances before, during, and after your child’s treatment, including the LLS Scholarship for Blood Cancer Survivors.
Managing your child’s schooling during blood cancer treatment
Learn how to help meet your child’s education needs while in treatment.
Follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors
See our tips around follow-up care, staying healthy, and managing long-term treatment side effects.
Long-term and late effects of childhood cancer
Long-term effects from treatment may be mild or serious; here’s what to watch for.
Additional resources for children and teens
Find additional materials, booklets, videos, podcasts, and more to support you and your child while undergoing treatment.
Get free, one-on-one support
Call, email, or chat with a member of our highly trained support team.
Alec and Aden
Blood cancer survivors
Kids deserve better.
Help transform treatment and care for kids and support all of the life-saving work that Blood Cancer United does.
Blood Cancer United resources
Find free, specialized guidance and information for every type of blood cancer, request financial support, find emotional support, and connect with other members of the blood cancer community.
