Leukaemia and cancer

Leukaemia cells multiply in the bone marrow and normal cell production slows down. Childhood cancer affects about 1 in 650 children and around 60 per cent of these children can be cured and live normal lives.

Key characteristics

Children with cancer may:

• have repeated infections
• lack appetite and suffer from weight-loss
• tire easily and need frequent rest
• have swollen glands
• need regular treatment which may cause side effects.

Support strategies

You may need to:

• ensure that the child lives as normal a school life as possible
• liaise closely with the parents about their child’s understanding of the disease and its progress
• inform parents immediately when there is an infectious disease in the school, as some cancer treatments can reduce the child’s resistance to infection
• provide an adult mentor if the parents feel that their child needs someone to talk to about their situation.

Support agencies

Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood Trust (CLIC)
Leukaemia Care Society