When your child is first diagnosed with cancer, it can be an overwhelming, emotional time. Parents, you may feel lost, confused, scared, and angry. No one can understand your feelings until they’ve been in that same impossible place. However, you can’t let your emotions paralyze you. Your child needs you – and that starts asking questions. When you’re overwhelmed, you might not know where to begin.

Asking the right questions can help you understand the situation better and make informed decisions about your child’s treatment and care. Here are some questions every parent should consider asking their child’s doctor when facing a cancer diagnosis:

Key Questions to Ask When Facing a Pediatric Cancer Diagnosis

Question #1 – What type of cancer does my child have, and what stage is it in?

There is considerable variety in types of pediatric cancer. The location, aggression, stage, and kind of cancer will influence treatment options as well as prognosis. Some cancers, like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), have relatively high cure rates thanks to modern medicine. Others come in both low- and high-risk forms. “Cancer” is a broad term; we need to understand the specifics and nuance.

Question #2 – What treatment options are available?

There are many ways to treat pediatric cancer. Multiple strategies are often utilized for a multi-pronged plan of attack! There’s surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplants – the list goes on. Your child’s physician will have recommendations based on a variety of factors. Parents, don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion.

Question #3 – What are the potential side effects of the recommended treatment, and how can they be managed?

Nearly all cancer treatments will have some side effects. Often, pediatric cancer is approached to minimize the severity of short and long-term side effects. Additional medications, habits, and lifestyle changes can mitigate these issues. 

Question #4 – What is my child’s expected outcome or prognosis?

Prognosis hinges on many factors – and as scary as it is, parents need to understand the expected, realistic outcomes. Many children beat the odds, but understanding the gravity of the situation is crucial in dealing with it in healthy, effective ways.

Question #5 – Can my child participate in clinical trials or experimental treatments?

Because cancer research is ongoing, there may be opportunities to be on the frontlines of new treatments. Your child’s doctor can help you understand if your child qualifies for ongoing trials.

Question #6 – How will the treatment plan impact my child’s daily life, such as school attendance and activities?

Because cancer comes in so many forms, stages, and severities, it can impact your child’s routine a lot or barely at all. Get an idea of how treatment will affect your child and what preparations to make with their school and extracurriculars.

Question #7 – What support services are available for my child and our family, such as counseling, financial assistance, or support groups?

You don’t have to do this alone. Ask for resources beyond your child’s treatment – whether it’s securing financial aid, finding support groups, or securing counseling for your child, siblings…and yourself!

Question #8 – How often will my child need follow-up appointments and monitoring during and after treatment?

Follow-up care seriously matters. It can help detect returning or secondary cancers and other health complications early. If cancer treatment takes place away from home, ask for recommendations for physicians back home to secure continuity of care.

Question #9 – Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes that can help support my child’s treatment and recovery?

While diet and lifestyle don’t cause pediatric cancers, they can influence treatment and recovery. A healthy diet, appropriate exercise, and other techniques can positively affect outcomes.

Question #10 – What are the long-term effects or potential complications of the cancer and its treatment, and how can they be addressed?

Childhood cancer differs from adult cancer in that the long-term effects are a bigger priority. Children have their whole lives ahead of them, and ideally, cancer won’t drastically change their quality of life. Know the potential effects and complications to get ahead of them and accurately voice concerns.

Question #11 – Do you have any tips on how I can explain this diagnosis on my child’s level?

Cancer can be complicated. The younger your child, the harder it is to explain. Ask your child’s doctor for tips – they’ve done this before. They may have book recommendations, guidelines for what to say and what to avoid, and tips for explanations your child can understand…without being afraid.

When we arm ourselves with knowledge, we’re better equipped to handle the challenges cancer throws our way. Don’t hesitate to ask, research, and advocate for your child!