This holiday season, Santa is making room in his busy schedule to bring a little extra magic to children while helping support families facing childhood cancer!

Thanks to advances in research and technology, more children diagnosed with cancer are surviving into adulthood. Today, more than 85% of children and adolescents ages 0-19 in the United States survive at least five years after a childhood cancer diagnosis. This is an incredible milestone and an important reminder that survivorship is a journey that continues long after treatment ends.

Returning to school during or after childhood cancer is an important milestone. It’s a chance to reconnect with friends, get back to routines, and build confidence. While this transition can be exciting, it may also bring new experiences and challenges for children and their families...

Childhood cancer impacts millions of families every day. From the day of diagnosis through the final day of treatment and well beyond, it is a journey filled with emotions, difficult decisions, and countless adjustments. Beginning treatment brings a tremendous amount of change, but transitioning off treatment can bring its own challenges. After months or years of hospital visits, medications, and procedures, families may suddenly find themselves navigating a new chapter.

Your child's pediatric oncology team and registered dietitian are your best partners when questions about nutrition arise during treatment. Every child's needs are unique, but understanding some of the common challenges families face can help you feel more prepared. We hope the ideas and resources in this article provide practical support and helpful conversation starters as you work with your child's medical team to find the best approach for your family.

A childhood cancer diagnosis can shake every part of a family's world. Along with the physical and emotional challenges of treatment, many families find themselves asking difficult questions, searching for meaning, or looking for sources of comfort and hope. Some families may feel closer to their faith during this time, while others may experience feelings of anger, uncertainty, or distance from their spiritual beliefs.

Through the Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program, the NCCS celebrates survivors by helping them pursue their educational goals while encouraging them to support other children and families affected by cancer. As part of the scholarship program, recipients complete volunteer service hours that give back to the childhood cancer community. One of these opportunities is Cards 4 Kids, a heartfelt initiative that spreads encouragement, hope, and kindness when it's needed most.

At The National Children's Cancer Society (NCCS), we are committed to helping survivors navigate life beyond treatment with confidence. Our publication, The View From Up Here: Your Guide to Surviving Childhood Cancer, was created specifically for teens and young adults and offers practical information to help survivors understand, prepare for, and embrace the next stage of their journey.

Ringing the bell to mark the end of childhood cancer treatment is a powerful and often bittersweet moment. While it represents the completion of treatment, it does not mean the journey is over. Survivors and their families often continue to navigate life after cancer, adjusting to a new normal while also facing the challenges that can come with survivorship.

As research continues to advance, so does our understanding of childhood cancer survivorship and the long-term effects of treatment. Staying informed about potential late effects, accessing the most up-to-date information, and receiving appropriate follow-up care as early as possible are all important steps in supporting long-term health and well-being.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, everything shifts in an instant. Families are suddenly navigating a world of treatment plans, side effects, and urgent decisions, all focused on doing everything possible to help their child heal. In the midst of this whirlwind, one deeply personal topic is often introduced: future fertility. While it can feel overwhelming, these conversations are an important part of caring for your child, both now and in the years to come.

Transitioning into survivorship is a meaningful milestone for children facing cancer and their families. While it often brings a sense of relief and hope, it can also come with new questions and uncertainties. Survivorship is a lifelong journey, and it’s natural to need guidance along the way. It’s important for parents and caregivers to be informed of the details of their child’s survivorship care plan. If there are grey areas, the best thing a family can do is ask questions.