There are 21 hospitals in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland that are specialist centres for diagnosing and treating children’s cancers. If the doctors at your local hospital think that your child has a cancer, they are likely to send your child to one of these centres. Often, some of the later treatment can be given at your local hospital under the guidance of the nearest specialist centre. This is known as shared care.

Many people will be involved in looking after your child, both at home and while they are in hospital. Some of the people and their roles are described below. Although you may not meet all of the people listed, you will probably come into contact with many of them.

Clinical oncologists (also known as radiotherapists) are doctors who specialise in using radiotherapy to treat people with cancer.

Dietitians make sure that your child has the best food to keep them as healthy as possible during their treatment. If your child is not able to eat for a while, the dietitian can advise on other ways of giving all the nutrients that they need.

GP (general practitioner) Your own family doctor may have been the first to suspect that your child could have a cancer and refer you to a specialist. As childhood cancer is rare, your GP can’t possibly know all the details of diagnosis and treatment. You may like to show your GP a print-out of this section so that they are aware of the information that you have. Your hospital doctors will write regularly to your GP to keep them up to date with your child’s progress.

Haematologists are doctors who specialise in blood disorders, including leukaemias and lymphomas. They examine samples of blood in the laboratory and also work on the ward looking after patients.

Nurses The sister, ward manager, or charge nurse is in charge of the ward. Staff nurses, student nurses and health care assistants work under the sister/ward manager/charge nurse’s direction. There may be a specialist nurse in your hospital who works only with children who have cancer. There may also be community nurses who can visit your child at home.

Paediatric oncologists are doctors who treat children with cancer. They are specialists in planning and giving cancer treatment.

Pathologists analyse tissues samples (such as tissue taken at biopsy) under the microscope, to diagnose illness or see how an illness is being affected by the treatment.

Pharmacists are responsible for preparing and dispensing the medicines your child will be given. Pharmacists are based in the hospital pharmacy department and may also visit the ward.

Physiotherapists and occupational therapists help children who have problems with moving around and carrying out daily activities.

Play therapists use play to help children cope with the experience of being ill.

Psychologists may be able to help children who have difficulties with behaviour or learning during their treatment. Psychologists also support the child’s family.

Radiographers take x-ray pictures and some may give radiotherapy.

Radiologists interpret x-rays and scans.

Social workers can help with practical, emotional and financial problems that you may have. The organisation CLIC Sargent provides social workers who specifically support children with cancer and their families.

Surgeons carry out operations. They may take a biopsy (remove a piece of tissue from the tumour for examination under the microscope) and/or remove the whole tumour. They also put in central lines (see chemotherapy).

Teachers Each children’s hospital has a school which provides education for children when they are in hospital. The hospital school will contact your child’s school and the hospital and school teachers work together to plan an education programme for your child.

Ward doctors In the hospital you will meet doctors who are at different stages of specialising in looking after children with cancer. Some will be registrars and some senior house officers. Most of the tests and treatment are done by these doctors, under the supervision of the paediatric oncologist.

Your child will probably need to spend some time in hospital during their treatment. Children’s wards are relaxed and friendly places aiming to give you and your child as positive an experience as possible. You are likely to get to know the staff well.

Almost all children’s wards have a room where parents can stay. Brothers and sisters may be able to stay too. Most children, especially younger ones, want their parents to spend as much time as possible with them.

More and more hospitals now have special wards or areas for teenagers with cancer. The surroundings and experience of staff may be better suited for older children.

Your child may seem upset when you arrive or leave, and this can be difficult for you. Don’t let this affect how often you go to see them though, as this could make them feel abandoned. If you have to leave, make sure that you say goodbye and tell your child and the ward staff exactly when you will be back.

It can help to try to get out of the ward for a short break during the course of the day. Being in the same surroundings all day where everyone is worried and frightened can be a great strain. The nursing staff will understand this and encourage you to take regular breaks.

Usually you can visit children in hospital whenever you want - the ward staff will be able to tell you if there are any restrictions. Visits from healthy school friends can be very good for your child. But remember it can sometimes be tiring for a sick child if there are too many people visiting at the same time.

Do talk about your feelings or worries with the ward nurses or perhaps the social worker. They are experienced in caring for children with cancer and are there to help and support you. Many wards have teachers and play specialists. Children who are feeling well enough can attend the hospital school.