I am worried my child has cancer

I am worried child my has cancer

I am worried my child has cancer

If you are reading this page, you may be concerned that your child or a child close to you could have cancer. It is important to remember that their symptoms are much more likely to be due to a common childhood complaint or illness, but it is always better to be careful.

Occasionally, symptoms can be indicative of cancer, so it is important to see your doctor if you are concerned.

In the unlikely event that your child’s symptoms are due to cancer, early diagnosis can make a difference to the treatments they need to receive and sometimes even how well they do.

Please see your doctor as soon as possible if you are worried and let them know that you are worried too.

You can read more about the signs to look for at knowing the signs of childhood cancer.

If symptoms persist

If you take your child to the doctor and they are happy that your child’s symptoms are due to another cause, for example, a virus, your child’s symptoms should resolve on their own or with appropriate treatment from your doctor.

If things do not improve as expected, please make sure your child sees their doctor again.

What to do if you remain concerned

If your child has ongoing symptoms that are not improving and you have seen the GP or another healthcare professional on more than 2 occasions, please make sure you voice your concerns and worries. This is especially important if you are concerned something has been overlooked.
Make sure your doctor knows how many times your child has been seen for that particular problem.
Through no fault of their own, General Practitioners, nurse practitioners and emergency doctors are working under intense time pressures, so if you feel something has not been discussed, please do not hesitate to ask for areas to be revisited.
If you remain very concerned, you can ask for a second opinion, but, if possible, please talk to your doctor first. It may be they had no idea just how concerned you were.

Most importantly, please keep trying if you are very worried. You know your child best of all and if you are very concerned make sure you say how worried you are.