Receiving a cancer diagnosis for your child is never expected. It can be altogether shocking and devastating. As a parent or guardian, you may not be able to immediately process the situation or have the wherewithal to ask important questions.

Still, it’s important that you have a well-rounded understanding of what your next steps and options are. Not only that but knowing what to expect in terms of treatment and recovery can help you and your family best prepare for the situation – mentally, emotionally, and financially.

Here are the top questions to ask your child’s doctor to increase your understanding and overall peace of mind:

10 Questions to Ask Your Child's Pediatric Care Team

Question #1 – What type of cancer does my child have? What is their prognosis?

First things first, you need to understand what your child is up against. Ask about what type of cancer they have, how common it is, what stage the cancer is in, and what their prognosis looks like. No child’s cancer journey is the same and your child is no different. You can’t know what to expect until you know the details.

Question #2 – How much experience do you have in treating this type of cancer?

Different doctors will have experience dealing with different types of cancer, some common, some rarer. You want to be completely comfortable with your child’s oncologist and care team. There’s nothing wrong in asking to know their credentials and experience. Be an advocate for getting the best care possible. If you need to, ask for referrals and the names of other experts.

Question #3 – Who will be on my child’s care team? Who do I contact and how?

While your child may have a primary doctor overseeing their treatment, they will have a larger cancer care team filled with various nurses and specialists. Ask how care is coordinated, who will be spending the most time with your child, and who to contact in case of a question or emergency.

Question #4 – What are my child’s treatment options? How effective are they?

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are just a few of the common treatment options. Ask for the oncologist’s recommendations, treatment effectiveness, and risks. In most cases, a combination of treatments is necessary.

Question #5 – How long will treatment last?

Will your child need to be treated for weeks? Months? Years? Try to get an idea of the timeline you’ll be looking at. It will help you prepare accordingly, especially if you must travel for treatments.

Question #6 – What are the potential side effects of cancer treatment?

Some cancer therapies come with intense side effects. Ask your care team about these side effects and what you or the care team can do to mitigate their impact on your child. In some cases, you may need to take preemptive measures.

Question #7 – Will my child have to miss school during their treatment?

Due to being immunocompromised or too ill, your child might have to miss school. Frequent appointments can also make classroom attendance difficult. Knowing what to expect can help you and your family coordinate tutors or homeschooling.

Question #8 – What are my child’s future health risks due to their cancer treatment plan?

Child cancer and its treatment can have longtime consequences on fertility, overall health risks, and secondary cancers. Ask what these risks are and what you can do to follow up on their care.

Question #9 – Who can I contact for help regarding the costs of my child’s treatment?

There are many organizations dedicated to reducing the cost of cancer care for children. Some hospitals, like St. Jude’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, are determined to provide free cancer care. If you’re worried about the financial burden, your child’s care team is likely able to point you in the direction of financial aid resources.

Question #10 – Where can I receive counseling and mental or spiritual support for my child and family?

Your child’s cancer journey can take a physical and emotional toll on the whole family. Ask about potential support groups, counselors, and other mental or spiritual health resources for your family and your child. This is part of holistic care – not just addressing cancer but addressing its impact on all areas of life.