Childhood Cancer Mental Health Resources

Fear, sadness, anger, guilt, and frustration are just a few of the emotions brought on by a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Most people do not know how devastating cancer treatments are to a child's body or that up to 25% of children with cancer still don't live to adulthood.

The early stages of treatment are particularly overwhelming physically, emotionally, and logistically. However, cancer is a lifelong diagnosis. Mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief can happen at any time.

There are a lot of ways to approach mental health challenges that come from cancer. Many pediatric cancer treatment centers have specialists including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, child life specialists, and more who are there to support the whole child and family. As a part of the treatment team, they have unique expertise on how cancer affects a child's well-being. They may also be able to suggest local therapists or support groups.

You may have a lot of questions: What is mental health? How does childhood cancer affect mental health? Who can help us get through this? Cancer Cushion's resources are bite-sized answers to these questions, designed to help soften the impact of this terrible disease.   

Support for Younger Children

Support for Teens/AYAs

Support for Siblings

Support for Parents 

Support for Survivorship

Support for Grief

All content on Cancer Cushion is provided for informational purposes only. Individuals experiencing a mental health emergency should contact their local crisis line or dial 988.