CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa

For New Parents

Discovering that your child is suffering from a life threatening illness is one of the most traumatic and stressful events that a parent can experience.  

Here are some things that may help you in the coming months.  

*  Make sure that your child is seen by a doctor with the specialist expertise in childhood cancer.  These paediatric oncologists mostly work in the specialist referral centres at major hospitals.  See the page on treatment for more details.

*  Remember that many cancers and blood disorders can be treated successfully.

*  Have a look at the "Open letter to a parent"; it will hopefully give you some reassurance that your reactions are quite normal.  Go here.

*  Take some time to navigate this site, and please contact your nearest regional CHOC branch for further information. Contacts

*  If you want more information, there are lots of resources available.  The local CHOC division should be able to help you, and there is lots to see on the web site of the International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parents Organisations (ICCCPO), of which CHOC is a member.  Have a look at their site, and follow some of the links to other sites about childhood cancer.  Go here