Cancerbackup: Patient Information Guide
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This section lists information resources available in the UK for cancer patients and their families. For resources giving general information on cancer, its treatments and effects, please use the links in the right hand menu.
Books
| A dragon in your heart |
| Author
| LEBLANC, Sophie |
| Publisher
| Jessica Kingsley |
| Description
| This book uses a fairy story approach to help young children to come to terms with cancer. This book is aimed at young children, but would need an adult to read it with the child to explain some concepts. |
| Date
| 1999 |
| A Young Person's Guide to Lymphoma |
| Author
| Lymphoma Association |
| Description
| A useful and clearly written guide for teenagers/adolescents, which provides information on issues such as diet, sex and fertility, going into hospital, going home after treatment, and relationships with family and friends.
|
| Date
| 2003 |
| Obtain from
| Free from the Lymphoma Association on 0808 808 5555 |
| URL
| http://www.lymphoma.org.uk |
| Alex's journey: the story of a child with a brain tumor |
| Author
| American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) |
| Description
| A fictional story for children about a boy named Alex who has a brain tumor. |
| Date
| 1994 |
| Body and soul: children, teenagers and cancer |
| Author
| RAGG, Mark |
| Publisher
| Hill of Content Publishing |
| Description
| For families with children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Could also be useful for health professionals. Non-technical and written for the lay person. |
| Date
| 1994 |
| Brothers and Sisters: how to help the siblings of very sick and disabled children - a booklet for families |
| Author
| Barrell, Sarah |
| Description
| Aimed at parents and carers and offers advice and information for supporting siblings of sick children. This is a very well written booklet with good practical advice and reference to other useful organisations. Cost includes postage and packing. |
| Cost
| £8.50 |
| Obtain from
| Sarah Barrell, PO Box 95, Witney, Oxfordshire. OX29 4WJ |
| Childhood Cancer |
| Author
| Steen, R Grant & Mirro, Joseph (eds) |
| Publisher
| Perseus |
| Description
| Comprehensive information on the main aspects of childhood cancer. Includes detailed chapters on the common and rarer types of childhood cancer as well as treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and bone marrow transplants. The book is aimed at parents of children with cancer. It is written by doctors and scientists at a US research hospital so some of the information may not be relevant to the UK reader. |
| ISBN
| 0-738202-77-0 |
| Date
| 2000 |
| Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Practical Guide to Your Future |
| Author
| Nancy Keene |
| Publisher
| O'Reilly & Associates |
| Description
| Although American, this book is still very relevant for the UK. It has been written for people who had cancer as a child and have survived into adulthood. It has chapters on emotions, relationships, staying healthy and childhood cancers. The second half of the book deals with the long-term side effects that can occur in each of the body's systems. |
| ISBN
| 1-565924-60-6 |
| Date
| 2000 |
| Childhood cancer: understanding and coping |
| Author
| EKERT, Henry |
| Publisher
| London, New York: Gordon & Breach |
| Description
| Comprehensive medical text, but quite explicit on some of the worse aspects of childhood cancer. Deals with psychological aspects of emotions and reactions to childhood cancer. It is suitable for very well informed and prepared parents. |
| Date
| 1989 |
| Childhood leukaemia: the facts |
| Author
| LILLEYMAN, John S |
| Publisher
| Oxford University Press |
| Description
| A book written for parents, explaining the development of leukaemia, the treatment that will be offered, what sort of progress can be expected, and the after effects of leukaemia and its treatment on survivors. |
| Date
| 2000 |
| Fighting the big C: a guide for young people and their families to understand cancer and its treatment |
| Author
| Palmer, Sarah J |
| Description
| Contents: What is cancer?, cancer treatments, side effects, blood and bone marrow, preventing infections, hygiene and diet, keeping a positive attitude, thinking about your future and looking ahead. Available from CLIC, The Cancer and Leukaemia Childhood Trust, 3 Nugent Hill, Cotham, Bristol BS6 5TD |
| Date
| 1996 |
| Fighting the big C: a guide for young people and their families to understand cancer and its treatment |
| Author
| PALMER, Sarah J & CLIC |
| Publisher
| CLIC |
| Description
| This booklet explains what cancer is. It covers different types of treatments, how to cope with side effects, effects on the blood and bone marrow, and how to prevent infections. |
| Date
| 1994 [2003 reprint] |
| Obtain from
| Available from CLIC, Unit 6, Emma-Chris Way, Bristol, BS34 7JU
Tel: 0117 311 2600. Also available free online. |
| URL
| http://www.clic.uk.com/BIGC/bigc.htm |
| Jack's diary |
| Author
| HUBBARD, Deborah |
| Publisher
| Leukaemia Research Fund |
| Description
| The real life story of a boy receiving treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) and includes real life pictures and cartoons. |
| Date
| 2002 |
| Joe has leukaemia |
| Author
| BARTON, Victoria et al |
| Publisher
| Sargent Cancer Care for Children |
| Description
| An illustrated book for children with leukaemia, or for children who know someone with leukaemia. Explains about leukaemia and the treatments, with lots of pictures. Also in series: Mary has a Brain Tumour and Lucy has a Tumour. |
Languages
| English
Urdu
Bengali
Punjabi
Gujarati
Welsh
|
| Kathy's Hats: a story of hope |
| Author
| Trudy Krisher |
| Publisher
| Albert Whitman & Company |
| Description
| A book about nine-year-old Kathy, who has chemotherapy for cancer. Her hair falls out and she has to wear hats. Well illustrated and a supportive story. |
| ISBN
| 0-807541-16-8-1 |
| Date
| 1992 |
| Living with leukaemia |
| Author
| WESTCOTT, Patsy |
| Publisher
| Raintree Steck Vaughan |
| Description
| Most appropriate for siblings or friends of a child with leukaemia. Includes stories about children who are either being treated for or have recovered from the disease. Gives simple explanations of leukaemia, tests and treatments and explains that not all children are successfully treated. |
| Date
| 2000 |
| Me and my face |
| Author
| HENDERSON Victoria & LET'S FACE IT |
| Publisher
| Millbury, 1989 |
| Description
| A light-hearted look at facial disfigurement. It is written for children and their parents. |
| Obtain from
| Christine Piff, Let's Face It, 72 Victoria Avenue, Westgate On Sea, Kent CT8 8DH. Tel: 01843 833 724. |
| My Brain Tumour Adventures: The story of a little boy coping with a brain tumour |
| Author
| Dempsey, Sharon |
| Publisher
| Jessica Kingsley Publishers |
| Description
| An illustrated childrens story about a little boy with a brain tumour. This book is designed to help children and adults come to terms with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and the side effects of their medicines. However, the book does use some adult terminology and should be read accompanied by an adult to help explain these words. |
| Date
| 2003 |
| When a child has cancer |
| Author
| FAULKNER, Ann [et al] |
| Publisher
| Chapman & Hall |
| Description
| This book describes a project where children over seven and close family members were interviewed. This book would principally be of interest to professionals involved with the care of children with cancer. It can be very hard going but has a very useful literature review and UK references. |
| Date
| 1995 |
| Wilms tumor: what now?: a practical guide for parents of children with Wilms tumor |
| Author
| WURZ, Jeannie |
| Publisher
| Kidney Cancer Association |
| Description
| Written for parents of children with Wilms tumour covering what it is, diagnosis, treatment, and post treatment interspersed, with children's experiences. Written for the US reader and some aspects not relevant to the UK but still a useful patient resource. |
| Date
| 2001 |
| Obtain from
| Available online: www.kidneycancerassociation.org |
| You and leukaemia: a day at a time |
| Author
| BAKER Lynn S |
| Publisher
| Philadelphia: WB Saunders |
| Description
| Written for children, this book has lots of lively illustrations as well as clear descriptions of, what leukaemia is, having treatment and living with leukaemia. It is an American book but is distributed in UK and still useful. |
| Date
| Revised 2001 |
| Young people with cancer: A handbook for parents |
| Author
| National Cancer Institute |
| Description
| Book and Website. A very comprehensive publication for parents who have a child with cancer. It gives information on all the stages of a child’s illness and what to expect. It explains the different treatments and side effects etc. However, as an American publication not all details will be relevant and it can be a little bit overwhelming with the amount of detail. |
| Obtain from
| Free online at: www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/youngpeople |
Booklets and factsheets
| A friend in need |
| Author
| Sargent Cancer Care for Children |
| Description
| Leaflet |
| Obtain from
| Sargent Cancer Care for Children, Griffin House, 161 Hammersmith Road London W6 8SG
Tel: 020 8752 2800 Email: care@sargent.org |
| URL
| http://www.sargent.org |
| Brothers & Sisters |
| Author
| UKCCSG |
| Description
| Booklet |
| Obtain from
| Third Floor, Hearts of Oak House, 9 Princess Road West, Leicester LE1 6TH. Tel: 0116 249 4460. Email: ukccsg@le.ac.uk |
| URL
| http://www.ukccsg.org |
| Childhood Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia |
| Author
| Leukaemia Research Fund |
| Description
| Booklet |
| Obtain from
| Leukaemia Research Fund, 43 Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JJ
Tel: 020 7405 0101 Fax: 020 7242 1488 |
| Childhood Acute myeloid leukaemia |
| Author
| Leukaemia Research Fund |
| Description
| Booklet |
| Obtain from
| Leukaemia Research Fund, 43 Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JJ
Tel: 020 7405 0101 Fax: 020 7242 1488 |
| Choices |
| Author
| United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group [UKCCSG] |
| Description
| Booklet |
| Obtain from
| University of Leicester, 3rd Floor, Hearts of Oak House, 9 Princess Road, West Leicester LE1 6TH
Tel: 0116 2494485 |
| Contact |
| Author
| United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group [UKCCSG] |
| Description
| Newsletter |
| Obtain from
| University of Leicester, 3rd Floor, Hearts of Oak House, 9 Princess Road, West Leicester LE1 6TH
Tel: 0116 2494485 |
| Coping with childhood leukaemia |
| Author
| Leukaemia Research Fund |
| Description
| Booklet |
| Obtain from
| Leukaemia Research Fund, 43 Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JJ
Tel: 020 7405 0101 Fax: 020 7242 1488 |
| Fighting Eye Cancer In Children |
| Author
| The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust |
| Description
| Leaflet |
| Obtain from
| The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1BB. Tel: 020 7600 3309. Email: info@chect.org.uk |
| URL
| http://www.rbsociety.org.uk |
| Giving medicines to children |
| Author
| Wessex Cancer Trust |
| Description
| Booklet |
| Obtain from
| Wessex Cancer Trust, Bellis House, 11 Westwood Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 1DL
Tel: 023 80672200 Fax: 023 80672266 |
| Histiocytosis |
| Author
| Leukaemia Research Fund |
| Description
| Leaflet |
| Obtain from
| Leukaemia Research Fund, 43 Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JJ
Tel: 020 7405 0101 Fax: 020 7242 1488 |
| Leukaemia and related diseases |
| Author
| Leukaemia Research Fund |
| Description
| Booklet |
| Obtain from
| Leukaemia Research Fund, 43 Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JJ
Tel: 020 7405 0101 Fax: 020 7242 1488 |
| Neuroblastoma: A booklet for parents |
| Author
| Neuroblastoma Society |
| Description
| Booklet |
| Obtain from
| Neuroblastoma Society, 18 Harlesden Road, St. Albans, Herts AL1 4LF
Tel: 01727 851818 |
| Rebuilding shattered lives |
| Author
| Sargent Cancer Care for Children |
| Description
| Leaflet |
| Obtain from
| Sargent Cancer Care for Children
Tel: 020 8752 2800 |
| The child with cancer in school |
| Author
| Wessex Cancer Trust |
| Description
| Booklet |
| Obtain from
| Wessex Cancer Trust, Bellis House, 11 Westwood Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 1DL
Tel: 023 80672200 Fax: 023 80672266 |
| Understanding retinoblastoma |
| Author
| Retinoblastoma Society |
| Description
| Booklet |
| Obtain from
| Academic Department of Paediatric Oncology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE
Tel: 020 700 3309 Fax: 020 7600 8579 |
| We can make it! - Teenagers guide to beating cancer |
| Author
| Dutton, Susie et al |
| Description
| A leaflet for teenagers with cancer that describes treatments, side effects and general FAQ's. |
| Obtain from
| Wessex Cancer Trust, Bellis House, 11 Westwood Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 1DL
Tel: 023 80672200 Fax: 023 80672266 Email: wct@avonlink.co.uk
Also available free online. |
| URL
| http://www.wessexcancer.org/support/teenager_cancer.htm |
| What's going on: a guide for teenagers with cancer |
| Author
| CanTeen Ireland |
| Description
| A booklet to provide information and support to teenagers with cancer. Each chapter deals with the different stages they will encounter, including treatment, being in hospital, getting on with life. |
| Date
| 1997 |
| When someone in your family has cancer |
| Author
| National Cancer Institute |
| Description
| A leaflet written for young people with a parent or other family member who has cancer. Includes sections on the disease, its treatment, and emotional concerns. |
| Obtain from
| Also available online from the NCI Website: |
| URL
| http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/when-someone-in-your-family |
| Your guide to radiotherapy |
| Author
| Wessex Cancer Trust |
| Description
| Booklet |
| Obtain from
| Wessex Cancer Trust, Bellis House, 11 Westwood Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 1DL
Tel: 023 80672200 Fax: 023 80672266 |
Multimedia
| The adventures of Captain Chemo |
| Author
| Royal Marsden NHS Trust |
| Description
| A website and computer game, aimed at cancer patients, relatives and friends, that explains the disease and its treatment. |
| URL
| http://www.royalmarsden.org/captchemo/ |
All resources in UK patient information guide have been reviewed by Cancerbackup specialist nurses and all details were correct at time of review.
Feedback about these resources or suggestions for inclusion are welcome - please contact us.
Further information resources...
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