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.

The Beyond the Cure Survivorship Program empowers childhood cancer survivors to pursue higher education and life beyond cancer. Since 2008, this program has awarded more than $2.7 million to 257 survivors. For the 2026-2027 academic year, 50 scholarships will be awarded to survivors who demonstrate resilience, determination, and hope for the future.

Many childhood cancer survivors experience long-term physical or cognitive late effects that could lead to challenges in the workplace. These challenges often require accommodations and resources to help survivors navigate professional boundaries and avoid discrimination. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that protects qualified individuals with disabilities, including cancer survivors, from discrimination. This law prohibits employers from using unfair hiring or firing practices and requires them to provide reasonable accommodations when needed.

Each year, approximately 15,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer, yet childhood cancer research receives less than 4% of national cancer research funding. The fight for new and improved legislative efforts focused on childhood cancer has been a long and uphill battle for many years. While the journey has been challenging, the dedication of families, survivors, and supporters continues to make an impact. In 2025, those efforts led to meaningful progress.

Our Beyond the Cure Survivorship Program is proud to provide support to hospitals across the country that host survivorship conferences. For 20 years, these conferences have educated childhood cancer survivors, caregivers, and their families on the many issues regarding survivorship and how to navigate life post-cancer treatment.

Isolation is one of the biggest challenges that come with cancer treatment, and it can have serious physical and emotional effects on a child. Social opportunities become limited and even dangerous when a child is undergoing treatment. Children are often placed “in a bubble” to reduce exposure, but this proactive method comes with its own potential risks.

Boredom isn’t the first thing parents think about after a cancer diagnosis—but as treatment continues, it often becomes a real challenge for kids and families. During the winter months, that feeling can be amplified by time spent indoors and limited social opportunities. Within are a few ideas to help your child stay active, engaged, and connected at home or during long hospital stays.

The NCCS is committed to being an anchor for families facing childhood cancer, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and beyond. In addition, the various programs offered by the NCCS, such as financial, educational, and emotional assistance, we strongly believe that there is bountiful strength and love within the childhood cancer community. With this, our website features a dedicated page highlighting other childhood cancer organizations and resources, giving families the opportunity to explore all their options and face the diagnosis with greater insight and support.

When treatment ends, it’s natural to feel immense joy and relief that the long, exhausting journey of cancer care is finally behind you. The constant hospital visits slow down, the medications taper off, and life starts to feel a little more open again. But if you’re also feeling anxious or unsure about what comes next, you’re not alone. Without the regular check-ins and support from your medical team, it can feel like you've lost a “safety net.” Questions and fears about recurrence may creep in, and that sense of control you felt during treatment can begin to slip. It’s okay to feel both relief and worry at the same time. Both emotions can exist together, and they often do after treatment.