Every family member needs support after a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Fear, sadness, anger, guilt, and frustration are just a few of the emotions brought on by a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Most people know very little about how truly devastating cancer treatments are to a developing 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 learn about and cope with 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.

Sometimes it is hard to even know where to start in understanding what mental health is, how it's been impacted by childhood cancer, or who can help. The support tools available on Cancer Cushion are bite-sized answers to these questions, designed to help soften the impact of this terrible disease.   

Support for Younger Children

Support for Teens

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.