Childhood Cancer Tests

Tests & Procedures To Diagnose Cancer

Your child will need to have some tests if your doctor thinks they may have cancer.

Bone Marrow Aspirate & Biopsy

A bone marrow aspirate is a test to see if blood cells in your child's bone marrow are healthy. The test will also show whether cancer cells have spread to the bone marrow from another part of the body.

Blood Tests For Children & Young People With Cancer

Your child's healthcare team will order regular blood tests to check for a low blood count and to know when it is safe to give the next dose of chemotherapy.

Biopsy To Test For Childhood Cancer

A biopsy is a test where a doctor takes a piece of tissue out of the body to check for cancer cells.

Lumbar Puncture To Test For Childhood Cancer

A lumbar puncture is a procedure to collect and look at the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. 

Medicines To Help With Pain During Tests & Procedures

There are many different types of medicines to help reduce your child's pain and anxiety during tests and procedures for cancer. 

Tests To Find Out How Well Organs Are Working

 If your child has cancer they may need some tests to find out how well their organs are working.

Tests & Procedures - Reducing Anxiety & Distress

There are many ways to help reduce your child's anxiety and distress during tests and procedures for cancer.

X-rays & Scans To Test For Childhood Cancer

X-rays and scans take pictures of various parts of the body. Bones show up most clearly but you can also see other tissues.

Blood Tests In More Detail

Blood Tests & Blood Counts Explained