Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides support for people dealing with cancer. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear.
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At our National Cancer Information Center trained Cancer Information Specialists can answer questions 24 hours a day, every day of the year to empower you with accurate, up-to-date information to help you make educated health decisions. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with valuable services and resources.
Or ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:
Referrals to patient-related programs or resources
Donations, website, or event-related assistance
Tobacco-related topics
Volunteer opportunities
Cancer Information
For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.
If Your Child Is Diagnosed with Cancer
Find information to help parents and loved ones of a child with cancer know about and cope with some of the problems that come up just after the child is diagnosed.
All parents seem to feel shock, disbelief, fear, guilt, sadness, anxiety, and anger. In this situation, just about any feelings could be considered normal for parents and other family members.
Children and teenagers often respond to news of a cancer diagnosis with a range of emotions that reflect those of their parents. The child’s age, development, and personality also affect their responses.
Brothers and sisters have their own fears. Sometimes they’re afraid that they might get cancer, too. They may pick up on parents’ anxiety and not understand what’s going on – they may not be sure what cancer is but they know it’s bad.
When you talk with children and teens about their cancer diagnosis, they may ask if they are going to die. Not all children will ask directly. Here are some things you can say to help.