During diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care you should continue to talk openly with your child about the cancer. By talking to your child about his/her illness, you are setting up patterns of open communication that allow your child to feel your support and strength.

Common Questions Kids Have About Their Disease

Children are naturally curious and will probably have many questions about their illness and treatment. Your child will expect you to respond to these questions so it is important that you are prepared to answer them.

• Why Me? Children will wonder why they got cancer and feel strongly that their cancer was a result of something they did. Reassure your child that the cancer is not a result of his/her actions. Cancer develops in all kinds of people and there is no set of rules that determines who gets cancer and who does not.
• Will I Get Well? Children often know someone with cancer or know someone who has died from cancer. As a result, many children fear that they will not get well. Thus, it is important to explain to your child that cancer is a serious disease but with medicine, cancer can often be treated if not cured.
• What Will Happen to Me? Often times, children who have been diagnosed with cancer will be scared of what will happen to them. It is important to explain what type of cancer he or she has and the treatments they will undergo. You should also discuss possible treatment side effects. By being up front and honest, you eliminate a lot of your child's fears.
• What Should I Tell People? Children with cancer are often concerned how people will react to them. Classmates and friends might be particularly interested in what is happening. Encourage your child to talk honestly and openly about his or her cancer and treatments. Also, help your child understand that not all people know about cancer and they may act differently or give the child incorrect information.
• Can I Still Do All the Same Things? The answer to this is dependent on the type of cancer your child has and the type of treatment he or she receives. It is likely that your child will need some restrictions during the illness and treatment but explain why these limitations are important to his or her health.

Help for Parents

There are times your child may have questions you do not know how to answer. Many times our Child Life Specialists can assist you. If you'd like to talk to other parents going through the same thing, there are many online resources available as well as a local support group for parents (ask your pediatric oncology nurse or social worker for details).

Learn More About Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Saint Francis

From diagnosis to treatment, our pediatric cancer and blood specialists will help you navigate your child's care. To learn more about services available through Saint Francis Children's Hospital, please review the links below or call the office at 918-502-6720.

Helpful Resources
St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Saint Francis Children's Hospital
Pediatric Blood Disorders
Child Life at Saint Francis Children's Hospital
Hematology/Oncology at Saint Francis Children's Hospital