Childhood Cancer

If your child is being tested for cancer, or has received a diagnosis, you might like to check the relevant sections below. There is information about cancer tests and treatment, helping your child manage pain, support available for you and your child, and help for any long-term health problems your child might have after treatment.

A portrait photo of a girl with cancer

Copyright: frantab01 / 123RF Stock Photo

Childhood Cancer Overview

An overview of the childhood cancer information available on KidsHealth.

What Is Cancer?

If your child has had a recent cancer diagnosis, you'll probably want answers to some general questions - about how cancer develops, how it is treated and what terms like 'remission' actually mean.

Children's Cancer Services In New Zealand

Child cancer care is coordinated across New Zealand so that all tamariki (children) get the best available treatment wherever they live.

Important Contacts For Your Child With Cancer

Keep a record of the people you may need to contact about your child's cancer care. This will include your child's treatment team, your local hospital as well as any other contacts you may need.

Childhood Cancer Quick Links

There are many childhood cancer topics and pages available on this website. Check out some quick links to the main sections.

Quick Help Guide For Parents Of Child Cancer Patients

Make sure you know what signs and symptoms you should be on the lookout for. It's good to have important numbers on hand in case your child with cancer becomes unwell. 

Childhood Cancer Tests

Tests & Procedures To Diagnose Cancer
Bone Marrow Aspirate & Biopsy
Blood Tests For Children & Young People With Cancer
Biopsy To Test For Childhood Cancer
Lumbar Puncture To Test For Childhood Cancer
Medicines To Help With Pain During Tests & Procedures
Tests To Find Out How Well Organs Are Working
Tests & Procedures - Reducing Anxiety & Distress
X-rays & Scans To Test For Childhood Cancer

Childhood Cancer Treatments

Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy For Childhood Cancer
Surgery For Childhood Cancer
Radiation Therapy For Childhood Cancer
Blood & Marrow Transplant
Immunotherapy
Central Venous Catheters
Semi-Permanent External Venous Catheter
Subcutaneous Port
Temporary External Venous Catheter
Tube Feeding In Childhood Cancer
Fasting & Consent For Procedures For Childhood Cancer
Hygiene & Hand Washing
Clinical Trials In Childhood Cancer
Complementary & Alternative Medicine For Children With Cancer

Coping With Cancer Treatment & Hospital

Techniques To Help Your Child With Cancer Treatment
The Importance Of Play For Your Child In Hospital
Supporting Your Child Before, During & After Cancer Treatment

Going Home From Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions About Care For Your Child With Cancer At Home
Checklist Before Leaving Hospital
Going Home From Hospital After Your Child's Cancer Treatment

Infections During Cancer Treatment

Hygiene & Hand Washing
Diarrhoea During Cancer Treatment
Measles & Chickenpox In Children With Low Resistance To Infection
Opportunistic Infections

Nutrition In Your Child With Cancer

Nutrition & Childhood Cancer

Chemotherapy Drugs

Chemotherapy Drugs - Information For Patients & Families

Side Effects Of Treatment

Pain & Cancer Treatment
Side Effects Of Chemotherapy
Fatigue Due To Chemotherapy
Nausea & Vomiting Due To Chemotherapy
Loss Of Appetite Due To Chemotherapy
Taste Changes Due To Cancer Treatment Medicines
Constipation Due To Chemotherapy
Hair Loss Due To Chemotherapy
Sore Mouth Due To Chemotherapy
Low Blood Count Due To Chemotherapy
Low White Cell Count & Infection During Chemotherapy
Low Red Blood Cell Count Due To Chemotherapy
Low Platelet Count Due To Chemotherapy
Sun Sensitivity Due To Chemotherapy
Side Effects Of Radiation Therapy

Support For Childhood Cancer

Childhood Cancer - More Information & Support
Support When Your Child Has Cancer

Long-Term Follow-up In Childhood Cancer

An Introduction To Long-Term Follow-up After Childhood Cancer
Long-Term Follow-up & Your Health After Childhood Cancer
Thinking & Learning After Childhood Cancer
Your Heart After Childhood Cancer
Problems With Your Teeth After Childhood Cancer
Male Fertility After Childhood Cancer
Female Fertility After Childhood Cancer
Pregnancy & Heart Health After Childhood Cancer