When a child is diagnosed with cancer, their life changes in an instant. They will depend on many people around them to get through it. Whether you are a family member, educator or friend, it is important you know that:
There is hope
Treatments for childhood blood cancers can lead to long-term remission and, in some cases, a cure.
Research is advancing
Research for childhood blood cancers progressed tremendously in the past 40 years.
It's nothing you did
The child did not catch the disease from someone or develop it as a result of something you did.
You are not alone.
Know that the blood cancer community is here to support you every step of the way.
Experiences of others with childhood blood cancers
Free Colouring App for Kids
The app includes blank canvases and coloring pages.
It can be used anywhere and may help pass time in waiting rooms or during treatment.
It can be used anywhere and may help pass time in waiting rooms or during treatment.
What you can do
A child’s cancer diagnosis affects everyone. As a loving and caring parent, caregiver, sibling, friend, educator or family member, you can provide support and offer hope. The following resources were developed to assist you as you learn and explore more about leukemia and lymphoma in children 12 years of age and younger.
Resources
For Parents and Caregivers
Childhood Leukemia - Parent guide
This tool is for parents of a school-aged child or teen with leukemia.
Children and Teenagers with Cancer : Cognitive and Emotional Challenges at School after Treatment
For some children and teens, emotional and cognitive challenges continue or become evident after treatment ends. How do we recognize these challenges a…
Exercise guidelines : 0-4 Years
This factsheet is for families whose 0-4 year old child is affected by a blood cancer. It promotes an active, safe, and adapted lifestyle during treatme…
Exercise-Guidelines: 5-11 Years
This factsheet for is for families whose 5-11 year old child is affected by a blood cancer. It promotes an active, safe, and adapted lifestyle during tr…
When Your Child Has Cancer
Learn how to deal with a child that has cancer and their family, teachers and counsellors. How to communicate and coping skills. Included is a workshee…
When your child is diagnosed with a blood cancer
Michelle Lambert speaks with Veronica Vardy, mother of 5 year old Amelia who is an ALL survivor. Veronica discusses the impact cancer had on her daughte…
For Children
Spider-Mable VS Leukemia activity book
Activity book for children and families facing a blood cancer diagnosis.
Zoe & Leukemia
Hi! My name is Zoë. I am three years old. I like going outside, playing with my friends and colouring. In this book, I will tell you about my adventure …
For Teachers
Childhood Leukemia - Teacher guide
This tool is for teachers and administrators at a school where a student has leukemia.
Exercise and Cancer Tips for Physical Education Teachers
This factsheet is for physical education teachers with students who have been affected by blood cancer. It promotes an active, safe, and adapted lifesty…
Children and Teenagers with Cancer : Cognitive and Emotional Challenges at School after Treatment
For some children and teens, emotional and cognitive challenges continue or become evident after treatment ends. How do we recognize these challenges a…
The "C" Word Presentation - Lymphoma
The C Word. When Kids get Cancer presentation. A comprehensive document explaining cancer to children. For use in the school or at home.
The "C" Word Presentation – Leukemia
A comprehensive document explaining cancer to children. For use in the school or at home.
Learn more about the diagnosis
Leukemia In Children and Teens
This video is a guide to better understand leukemia in children and teens.
Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia
Learn about juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, how it is diagnosed, an overview of treatments and what happens next.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in Children and Teens
This booklet provides information about acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in
children and teens. AML is the second most common type of leukemia in this age
…
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Children and Teens
A closer look at acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children, the treatments available, and the side-effects your child may experience.
Treating pediatric blood cancer with Dr. Abish
Dr. Abish shares insights into what it’s like treating children and teens, and the complexities of serving this youngest age group as well as their foll…
Other resources for children with cancer
- Upopolis: A social network developed for Canadian pediatric hospitals, for children and youth to connect in a safe online environment. Ask a child life specialist at the hospital about getting connected and how to stay connected at home.
- Starlight – Children’s Foundation: Starlight provides fun and therapeutic programs for “seriously ill children” (of a variety of diagnoses), including hospital-based and community events, a safe online website, information for children about medical conditions. Ask a child life specialist to refer you or contact Starlight’s BC office to find out more about their programs.
- CureSearch: Information for all types and stages of cancer. A good starting place for all kinds of information.
- Kids with Cancer Society
- CancerCare
- Childhood Cancer Canada
- A Child’s Voice Foundation: Founded in 1995, ACVF has a commitment to children and is a foundation “where kids come first.” They have different programs including angel Hair for Kids and partner with salons. They also have a program called Kids Life Line where they extend a helping hand to families in need, when all other resources have been exhausted and there is nowhere else to turn. The programs works to provide a one-time fulfillment of a necessary product or service that will enhance a child’s quality of life.
- Childhood Cancer Guides: Childhood Cancer Guides, founded by two parents, writes, updates and publishes books that help families of children with cancer and survivors of childhood cancer. The books are reviewed by well-known experts in childhood cancer from institutions such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Sickkids in Toronto.
All resources
Access all fact sheets, guides, podcast, videos and other resources to learn everything from the disease symptoms, statistics and treatment options.