Supportive care is an important part of care for people with serious illnesses like cancer. Supportive care aims to improve quality of life for your child and family before, during and after treatment. This broad term covers management of physical symptoms, such as pain and nausea, and other aspects such as nutrition and mental wellbeing.

The MDT will work extremely hard to keep your child as comfortable and as symptom free as they can during treatment. In many parts of the UK, children with cancer are referred to the local children’s hospice team. This team can provide specialist and expert care and advice in the management of your child’s symptoms. This can be very beneficial as it can help make your child more comfortable whilst on treatment. Supportive care from a hospice team doesn’t mean that your child won’t get better.

Supporting your child through cancer is understandably one of the most difficult things a parent can go through and can affect your physical, emotional and financial wellbeing. Don’t think you have to go through this alone – there is support available and accepting support when needed can help make this very difficult time easier for you and your child.