Nutrition plays a crucial role in your child’s treatment journey. Cancer therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can greatly affect appetite, digestion, and metabolism. These treatments often result in side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in taste, and fatigue, making it difficult for children to eat well. However, maintaining proper nutrition is vital as it helps your child’s body cope with the stress of treatment, supports their immune system, and aids in the recovery process.
Advancements in cancer therapies have led to a tremendous increase in the survival rates of children with cancer. While this is wonderful news, research is showing that cancer survivors are at higher risk of treatment-related chronic illnesses. To combat this risk, doctors are urging survivors to adopt a healthy lifestyle to mitigate their risk of late effects.
The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) has achieved a prestigious 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s leading independent charity evaluator. This top rating is a testament to NCCS’s steadfast commitment to supporting children with cancer and their families.
The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) proudly celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Global Outreach Program at the end of 2023. Since the program’s inception, this vital initiative has transformed the lives of thousands of children diagnosed with cancer worldwide.
The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) mentor program was created to provide support by connecting a young adult cancer survivor (mentor) with a younger child going through treatment between the ages of 10-17 (mentee).
Friendship is a gift that brings comfort, happiness, joy, companionship, and support. But for children battling cancer, friendship means even more. Having friends to confide in and count on – ones who show empathy and understanding – is incredibly important, as it makes a profound difference to the child’s overall healing journey.
When a parent first hears of their child’s cancer diagnosis, they may be reluctant to share the realities of the disease with their child in an effort to protect them from painful emotions. However, children are very in tune with their caregivers and can sense when something feels “off.”
When a family receives a cancer diagnosis, each member of that family is forced to adjust to a “new normal.” Future plans, former habits, and relationship dynamics all change – some permanently.
When a child is first diagnosed with cancer, families may feel overwhelmed by new information and unsure of the next steps. When doubts or confusions arise, some families may wish to seek a second opinion.
