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Cancer Care

Childhood cancer is a rare disease.

Every year one child in 8,000 under age 17 will develop cancer. The annual incidence of children age 0 to 17 is 129 per million. There are about 130 new cases diagnosed in children under age 17 each year in BC.

Treatment information

Childhood cancers differ from adult cancers in how they are presented and in their cell type and rate of growth.

Typically, childhood cancers respond well to treatment and children with cancer have a better chance today of living a longer life than ever before. There has been a steady decline in the mortality rate for cancer of children over the last 20 years.

The likelihood of cure depends on the type of cancer and the extent of the disease. Cure rates continue to improve as new knowledge is gathered through basic research and applied in clinical trials.

Caring for your child's illness

 

 
 

 

Children receiving treatment for cancer are at increased risk of infection. Chemotherapy and radiation destroy the white blood cells that help fight infection in the body. The weakened immune system can no longer keep the bacteria that are normally present in the child's mouth and bowels in check.

Infections can be dangerous for children with cancer, and the best way to prevent infection is to practice good hygiene. Good and frequent hand washing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help decrease infections in your child and prevent the spread of infection to others.

 

Hand hygiene

 

 

Male Fertility: Sperm Banking Video

 

 

Complementary and alternative therapies generally refer to therapies that are unconventional and that are not necessarily based on scientific evidence that have been proven to be effective. As patients or parents, you will be faced with many treatment decisions including unconventional therapies offered by those outside of the BC Children's Hospital oncology team.

 

We believe there is a role for complementary and alternative therapies to promote improved quality of life, maintain hope, enhance feelings of control, and encourage healing along the cancer journey. At the same time, there are some people who would promise unproven curative treatment at a time when you may be most vulnerable.

 

Our goal is to create a relationship of openness and trust and to help you in making informed decisions about complementary and alternative therapies. Please discuss with your oncologist if you are considering other options of treatment, and we will do our best to help guide you in your decisions about complementary/alternative therapies.

Questions you may want to think about

  • What am I hoping this treatment will do?
  • What is the research behind the treatment? Are researchers actually looking at how it works on the type of cancer my child has, or is the information based purely on what people say?
  • How does the treatment work?
  • What are the side effects? (Be wary of claims of 'NO' side effects; no drug or natural product is without side effects).
  • What is the cost in both time and money?

Often families ask us about specific treatments, treatment centres and resources. Here are some links that may be helpful. We encourage you to discuss anything you read on these links with your oncology team.

 

Resources

 

Resources & support

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer affect every member of the family. Caring for a child with cancer taxes both your practical and emotional resources.

In general, families are resilient. But even the strongest families need help during tough times. Your family may find extra support helpful as you go through this journey together. Counselling is one way of helping. Please talk to your social worker about the ways they can help you.

Your family is your child’s best support, but there are programs that can help your child have fun and feel good. We hope the following resources will be helpful. As always, please talk to any member of your child’s healthcare team if you need more support or help.

BC Children's Hospital patient and family guide

This guide (PDF) contains helpful information on how to make your child's journey as comfortable as possible.

Indigenous Health

Indigenous Health advocate for and provide help to indigenous families who are visiting the hospital.

Patient/parent advocate

The patient/parent advocate supports patients and families respectfully and confidentially. They help organize and facilitate Teen and Family outings and create programs to support the needs of patients and families. They promote an atmosphere of family, community, and communication. Suzanne is available on-site Tues/Wed/Thurs 9am-3pm and can be reached by email: sdunbar@cw.bc.ca.

Sibling Support Centre

The Sibling Support Centre provides a safe, short-term (up to 2 hours) play and creative setting for siblings who must be on campus while their sibling receives care. As a non-licensed, volunteer-supported environment, the centre will support children or youth that are ages three and older. One Volunteer will play with up to four children at a time. All children visiting the centre must be toilet-trained and able to feed themselves. 

A first-come, first-served booking is required. Please call 604-875-3594 or book online.

Imaginary Friend Society

A cast of characters inspired by the imaginations of kids themselves. Through a series of 20 animated short films, our imaginary friends explain a wide range of complicated cancer topics in a way that kids can understand. Because the more they understand about their treatment, the less scary it will be.

Website: www.imaginaryfriendsociety.com

Beads of Courage program

Helping families and patients record and tell their own story of courage through beads.

Website: Beads Of Courage

Siblings Coping Together

A group program for siblings of children treated in the Oncology Program.

Contact: Dr. Joanna Chung, Psychology
Phone: 604-875-3003

Oncology Teen Group

Monthly evening group

Contact: Kristina Jackson, Child Life Specialist
Phone: 604-875-2345 ext 7000

 

Get Help, we are here to listen!


Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311
Sunshine Coast/Sea to Sky: 1-866-661-3311

Online Chat Service for Youth:

www.YouthInBC.com (Noon to 1am)

Online Chat Service for Adults:

www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am)


Anxiety Canada Resources & Free App


Foundry Virtual BC

Young people aged 12-24 and their caregivers can use the app to drop in or schedule a virtual counselling appointment, find peer support, join a youth or caregiver group.


‎Patient & Family Counselling


Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Support Resources

 

Childhood Cancer Family Support (CCFS)

CCFS's mission is to help families who are struggling with the financial burden of taking care of their child with cancer or a blood disorder by providing them with financial aid. They work with the Social Workers at BCCH. Please contact your social worker if you need support.


West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation

WCK provides daily, practical support for families navigating a childhood cancer or blood disorder diagnosis. Through WCK programs, kids with cancer/blood disorders experience joy, siblings know they matter and parents know they are not alone. WCK offers Food Support programs and Hangouts, a virtual program offering adult-to-kid or small peer group connections.


Balding for Dollars is an organization in partnership with the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation that raises funds to support programs that benefit Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant patients in BC. The money raised goes into programs that support our patients’ quality of life while undergoing treatments and beyond, and donated hair is used to make wigs for kids. BFD's mission is to support and significantly enhance the quality of life and care provided to Oncology/Hematology patients and their families at BC Children’s Hospital and other care centres within B.C.


Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

A dedicated team of volunteers, patients, survivors, family members, health care professionals and staff, determined to make the journey with a brain tumour one full of hope and support. They work collaboratively to serve the needs of those Canadians affected by all types of brain tumours. BrainWave BC provides fun activities for families with a child with a brain tumour. For more information on the BrainWave program and how you can get involved, please contact Karen Malkin-Lazarovitz: karenml@braintumour.ca


Volunteer Cancer Drivers

They work with patients whose family members are unable to take time off work to drive, new immigrants with fewer support systems, or patients who rely on public transit. Rides are available to patients across the Lower Mainland and parts of the Fraser Valley.


DIVERSEcity Community Resources

A non-profit organization based in Surrey, BC that assists newcomers to BC to settle in. They offer free, multilingual programs and services such as caregiver support programs, family counselling programs, and interpretation/ translations (fee for translation service).


Island Kids Cancer Association

Providing practical support for children with cancer, and their families on Vancouver Island, through all stages of their cancer journey.


Highway to Healing

Highway to Healing funds families with children under 19 years of age who need medical treatment that is not available locally. The child must reside in the Town of Oliver, Osoyoos, or OK Falls in British Columbia.


Wigs for Kids BC

An organization that aims to improve the quality of life for kids dealing with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses and to provide a free wig for every BC child who needs one. Talk to your social worker for information.


Camp Goodtimes

Operated by the Canadian Cancer Society, this is a camp for children aged 6 -17 who have a history of cancer. This week-long camp has many fun activities: swimming, arts and crafts, sports, music, and much more. Going through camp with other children, getting caring and support from experienced camp counsellors, and just having fun can help children discover their own strength and help them just be children. Doctors and nurses from the oncology program are part of the camp. Contact the Canadian Cancer Society or see your social worker, nurse, or child life specialist for more information.


Make a Wish Canada

Do special things for children with cancer. These non-profit organizations are dedicated to fulfilling a favorite wish of children aged 3-17 years. Ask your social worker or nurse for more details.


Starlight Children’s Foundation of Canada

Provides entertainment; education and family activities that help children cope with a serious illness. Starlight has a lot of outpatient, hospital-based, and web activities that support children and families — from diagnosis through the entire course of medical treatment.


BC Family Residence Program

The BC Family Residence Program provides accommodation assistance to enable families to stay together when their child requires medical care at BC Children's Hospital or Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, including premature babies and newborns with other health concerns. Enhanced travel assistance is also provided through air transportation for patients of all ages.‎

Back to school

 
 

Children who have had treatment for cancer may find it challenging to go back to school. A child may have side effects that teachers should know about. They may look different and may have lower energy. Having a brain tumour can affect your child’s learning.


The most important part of sending your child back to school is to plan ahead. This will help make the return to school more successful and supportive for your child, your family, and the school.


There are resources to help plan for your child’s return to and ongoing support at school. Your nurse clinician in the outpatient clinic can give you information that can help going back to school easier.


Monkey in My Chair Program

Through the program, each child is provided with a "monkey kit" which includes a big stuffed monkey that takes their place in school when they can't be there. It includes a backpack and a book to help teachers explain to students the situation their classmate is facing along with other items that can be utilized with the child and/or their classmates. This kit is free of charge for kids aged 4-11 years old.


School Support

Guidance for school personnel, parents


Taking a Closer Look (PDF)
Reintegrating Students with Brain Injury Back to School in BC


Ministry of Children and Family
Children and Youth with support needs


BC Brain Injury Association
Improving the quality of life for all Canadians affected by acquired brain injury and promoting its prevention.

For youth

 

For caregivers

 
 

‎‎Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation

They have two types of scholarships for Childhood Cancer Survivors.


Balding for Dollars
Bursary and Education Program provides bursaries that support the advancement of knowledge, skills and education for survivors of childhood cancer or blood disorders who are (or were) involved in the BC Children's Hospital oncology, hematology and bone marrow transplant program.


Youth Education Awards for patients with Brain Tumours

The aim of the program is to help young brain tumour survivors achieve their dreams through post-secondary education.

 

Adolescent survivors of cancer can have many feelings when they finish high school. Finishing high school has been a big challenge for your child, and he/she has likely worked hard to get there. But, life after high school and worry about what this life might look like can be confusing and concerning.


Vocational Support might be a useful resource for your child. Vocational counsellors work with people to help them find jobs that fit well with their strengths and challenges. They can help your child prepare for applying for jobs and interviews.


GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre
Has a vocational rehabilitation program for young adults. The program helps them work on barriers that people with disabilities may face. This program aims to prepare people for work by helping with job skills and preparation. To find out more, ask your neuro-oncology nurse clinician.


West Coast Group (WCG)
Helps people with disabilities in British Columbia develop skills and independence and helps them learn how to be part of the workplace.


Open Door Group
Supports employers to hire persons with physical disabilities and other barriers to employment.

 

Over 80% of children with cancer are now cured of their disease. Along with excellent survival rates, achieving optimal quality of life is important. Studies have shown that at least 65% of adult survivors of childhood cancer develop late health effects from their disease and/or treatment. Close follow-up of patients post-treatment for potential problems allows cancer survivors to enjoy full and active lives.


Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Practical Guide to Your Future (3rd Edition, 2012) By Kathy Ruccione, Nancy Keen, and Wendy Hobbie.


Long Term Follow up Clinics at BC Children's Hospital


Cancer Survivor Link
Your link to care after cancer.


Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation
The country's leading Foundation dedicated entirely to the fight against childhood cancer.


National Children’s Cancer Society
Beyond the Cure is a survivorship program of The National Children’s Cancer Society.


Live Strong Foundation
They take look at the experiences of the cancer community, find problems and develop solutions. Then they roll them out to help more people in more situations.


I’m too young for this foundation
A non-profit organization that empowers young adults affected by cancer through innovative and award-winning programs and services.


Rebounders Canada: Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer
A Canadian non-profit organization that offers support and networking opportunities to adults who have survived childhood cancer.



Post Treatment

When you find out your child has a cancer, it may be hard to know what resources are helpful. As you go through the next few days, weeks and months, this will become clearer. You may be looking for information on the tumour types, what the diagnosis means and about the different treatments. You might also be looking for support from other parents or professionals.

Health information online can be helpful, but may bring up more questions. Be sure to talk with your health care professional about what you find. There is a lot information to take in. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a break. Try to look at only the information you need right now. You can always come back to get more information later.

 

Children who have had treatment for cancer may find it challenging to go back to school. A child may have side effects that teachers should know about. They may look different and may have lower energy. Having a brain tumour can affect your child’s learning. 

The most important part of sending your child back to school is to plan ahead. This will help make the return to school more successful and supportive for your child, your family and the school.

 There are resources to help plan for your child’s return to and ongoing support at school. Your nurse clinician in the outpatient clinic can give you information that can help going back to school easier. 


School Support

Guidance for school personnel, parents

 

‎Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation 

They have two types of scholarships for Childhood Cancer Survivors. 


Balding for Dollars 
Bursary and Education Program provides bursaries which support the advancement of knowledge, skills and education for survivors of childhood cancer or blood disorders who are (or were) involved in the BC Children's Hospital oncology, hematology and bone marrow transplant program.

 
 

‎Over 75% of children with cancer are now cured of their disease. Along with excellent survival rates, achieving optimal quality of life is important. Studies have shown that at least 65% of adult survivors of childhood cancer develop late health effects from their disease and/or treatment. Close follow-up of patients post treatment for potential problems allows cancer survivors to enjoy full and active lives.


Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Practical Guide to Your Future (3rd Edition, 2012)  By Kathy Ruccione, Nancy Keen and Wendy Hobbie. 


ON TRAC
(Transitioning Responsibility to Adult Care) is a province-wide, multifaceted Transition  Initiative to support  comprehensive, continuous, accessible, sustainable and developmentally-appropriate care to youth and young adults (ages 12-24 years) with chronic health conditions and/or disabilities (CHC/Ds) as they plan, prepare and transfer from pediatric to adult health care services.


Cancer Survivor Link
Your link to care after cancer


Pediatric Oncology Resource Center
Resources and information for parents of children with cancer . . . by parents of children with cancer.


Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation
The country's leading Foundation dedicated entirely to the fight against childhood cancer.


National Children’s Cancer Society
Beyond the Cure is a survivorship program of The National Children’s Cancer Society.


Live Strong Foundation
We look at the experiences of the cancer community, find problems and develop solutions. Then we roll them out to help more people in more situations. 


I’m too young for this foundation
A non-profit organization that empowers young adults affected by cancer through innovative and award-winning programs and services.


People against Childhood Cancer
Advocacy community on a mission to raise awareness of childhood cancer


Rebounders Canada:  Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer
We are a Canadian non-profit organization that offers support and networking opportunities to adults who have survived childhood cancer.


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