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Knowing the signs of childhood cancer could save a life

A national children’s cancer charity is asking families and the medical community to be aware of the early signs of childhood cancer, as Childhood Cancer Awareness month comes to a close. Knowing the signs can save lives.

Childhood Cancer Foundation Ireland notes that each year, around 200 children (aged 0-16 years) are diagnosed with cancer in Ireland. A diagnosis of childhood cancer has a devastating impact on the entire family, stopping life in its tracks. Early diagnosis has a significant impact on the treatment options and prognosis for children.

According to Laura Cullinan, voluntary Director of Childhood Cancer Foundation Ireland, and parent of a childhood cancer survivor, parents should always trust their gut instinct when it comes to their children’s health.

“My daughter Isobel was 21 months old when I was concerned about weight loss and a swollen abdomen. I knew in my heart something wasn’t right. I am so grateful to our GP and paediatrician, whose quick actions resulted in an early diagnosis of a kidney tumour (Wilms) at stage 1. This tumour generally responds well to treatment. Unfortunately, Isobel relapsed with a tumour in her lung but we were lucky to have more treatment options available because of the initial early diagnosis and response. Isobel is now 8 years old, cancer free and doing well.”

Dr Michael Capra, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at CHI at Crumlin, reiterates that awareness of the signs is key.

“Approximately one child per week will be diagnosed with leukaemia in Ireland, with the same number again diagnosed with a brain tumour. Nobody wants to think about childhood cancer but it’s vital that parents and GPs know the signs because treatment can be very effective, particularly with early intervention.”

“The signs and symptoms can look very innocuous on their own so we are looking for persistent or recurring signs. Please remember, if your child has some of these symptoms, it does not mean that they have cancer. But it’s important that they are seen by a doctor, who can rule out a more serious problem. More than likely, it will be something minor, but we want to catch those rare cases where it’s something serious as early as possible.”

Laura Cullinan “Every year for Childhood Cancer Awareness month we stand in solidarity with the families fighting childhood cancer and the survivors. We remember the children who have died too soon from cancer and we #LightItUpGold for them and their families, by lighting landmark buildings gold and wearing gold ribbons. This year, we hope that by highlighting the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer we improve the outlook for families receiving this terrifying diagnosis.”

Childhood Cancer Foundation Ireland are also asking people to light a candle at 8pm on Wednesday 30th September and take a moment to remember children and families affected by childhood cancer.

Photo Credit: Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust

Have Your Say!

We are asking for contributions from parents and anybody concerned with childhood cancer to give Childhood and Adolescent Cancer a strong focus in the Consultation on the EU Beating Cancer Plan.

As members of CCI-Europe (Childhood Cancer International Europe) Childhood Cancer Foundation Ireland, CanCare4living and CanTeen Ireland together with medical professionals, other organisations and individuals are asked to encourage as many responses as possible to ensure that Childhood and Adolescent Cancers will be noticed by EU policy makers to ensure better awareness, access to innovative treatments, research, eradication of inequalities, care for survivors and financial supports. This is an important opportunity to have your voice heard at EU level

If you think you can help, please do the following before 11pm Irish time 7th May 2020.

1. Register on https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/cas/eim/external/register.cgi (confirmation email may take up to 24 hours-so you are encouraged to create an account well in time to allow completion of the questionnaire before the deadline.

2. Access the EU Cancer Public Consultation https://ec.europa.eu/…/i…/12154-Europe-s-Beating-Cancer-Plan

CCI-Europe, SIOPE, and PanCare, (the Organisations representing parents, survivors and the medical professionals working in the field of childhood cancer) have adopted a collaborative approach to the consultation and have developed a template of replies with agreed key messages, which you can use and add to if you wish.

The more completed questionnaires received, the more importance Childhood and Adolescent Cancer will receive in the EU Beating Cancer Plan.

Click HERE for a copy of the questionnaire.

The number of submissions matter – this is your chance to be heard – Together we can make a difference.

https://ccieurope.eu/about/

https://siope.eu/

https://www.pancare.eu/…/initiatives/12154-Europe-s-Beating…
https://ec.europa.eu/…/i…/12154-Europe-s-Beating-Cancer-Plan

Blue background with a photo of a laptop in the centre. The laptop has the word Webinar on the screen. Other text: In treatment webinar series. Parenting advice - patient. Parenting advice - siblings. Self care in treatment. Communication in treatment.

In Treatment Webinar Series: Self Care

This webinar series is aimed at parents of children / adolescents who are currently in treatment. This series will support you as you navigate this stage with your family.

Self care in treatment

Thursday 8th May at 10am This webinar is designed for parents and caregivers of children/adolescents undergoing cancer treatment. You may be encouraged by everyone to ‘look after yourself’ during treatment but what does that mean and how do you find time when you are juggling the care of your child and possibly siblings. Topics will include basic self-care tips such as sleep, diet, movement and managing worry and anxiety with a focus on simple strategies that may be achievable.  The session will conclude with a Q&A to address concerns and signpost you to available supports.  

Communication in treatment

Thursday 12th June  at 10am This webinar focuses on communicating with your family, community and medical team. It can feel like you are learning a new medical language at a stressful time and getting to know your medical team. Within their own personal supports, parents often share that they are learning to ask for help and are both unsure on what to ask for and how best to ask. As well as unsure on how to communicate the diagnosis and treatment with their child and siblings.   This webinar will be co-facilitated by Ciara Kennedy, Clinical Nurse Specialist, CHI Crumlin and Dr Mairead Brennan, Childhood Cancer Ireland Director of Psychosocial services, who will share tips and phrases that may help you across your personal and professional supports. The session will conclude with a Q&A to address concerns and signpost you to available supports.    

Register

Register here for one or more of these webinars.
08 May 2025
Blue background with a photo of a laptop in the centre. The laptop has the word Webinar on the screen. Other text: In treatment webinar series. Parenting advice - patient. Parenting advice - siblings. Self care in treatment. Communication in treatment.

In Treatment Webinar Series: Parenting Siblings

This webinar series is aimed at parents of children / adolescents who are currently in treatment. This series will support you as you navigate this stage with your family.

Parenting advice - siblings

Thursday 10th April at 10am This webinar focuses on the emotional and psychological needs of siblings of children undergoing cancer treatment. It will provide parents with insights into how siblings may be affected by the illness and offer strategies to help them cope. Topics include fostering open communication, addressing feelings of jealousy or guilt, maintaining sibling relationships, and ensuring siblings feel loved and supported.  The session will conclude with a Q&A to address concerns and signpost you to available supports.   This webinar will be facilitated by Debbie Cullinane. Debbie is a former teacher, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist and play therapist and has been supporting families affected by Childhood Cancer since 2019.

Self care in treatment

Thursday 8th May at 10am This webinar is designed for parents and caregivers of children/adolescents undergoing cancer treatment. You may be encouraged by everyone to ‘look after yourself’ during treatment but what does that mean and how do you find time when you are juggling the care of your child and possibly siblings. Topics will include basic self-care tips such as sleep, diet, movement and managing worry and anxiety with a focus on simple strategies that may be achievable.  The session will conclude with a Q&A to address concerns and signpost you to available supports.  

Communication in treatment

Thursday 12th June  at 10am This webinar focuses on communicating with your family, community and medical team. It can feel like you are learning a new medical language at a stressful time and getting to know your medical team. Within their own personal supports, parents often share that they are learning to ask for help and are both unsure on what to ask for and how best to ask. As well as unsure on how to communicate the diagnosis and treatment with their child and siblings.   This webinar will be co-facilitated by Ciara Kennedy, Clinical Nurse Specialist, CHI Crumlin and Dr Mairead Brennan, Childhood Cancer Ireland Director of Psychosocial services, who will share tips and phrases that may help you across your personal and professional supports. The session will conclude with a Q&A to address concerns and signpost you to available supports.    

Register

Register here for one or more of these webinars.
10 Apr 2025
Blue background with a photo of a laptop in the centre. The laptop has the word Webinar on the screen. Other text: In treatment webinar series. Parenting advice - patient. Parenting advice - siblings. Self care in treatment. Communication in treatment.

In Treatment Webinar Series: Parenting Patient

This webinar series is aimed at parents of children / adolescents who are currently in treatment. This series will support you as you navigate this stage with your family.

Parenting advice - patient

Thursday 6th March at 10am This webinar is designed for parents and caregivers of children/adolescents undergoing cancer treatment. It aims to provide practical strategies, emotional support, and insights to help families navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment journey. Topics will include understanding your child/adolescents emotional needs, communicating effectively with healthcare providers, managing stress as a caregiver, and minding your own needs, during treatment. The session will conclude with a Q&A to address concerns and signpost you to available supports.   This webinar will be facilitated by Debbie Cullinane. Debbie is a former teacher, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist and play therapist and has been supporting families affected by Childhood Cancer since 2019.

Parenting advice - siblings

Thursday 10th April at 10am This webinar focuses on the emotional and psychological needs of siblings of children undergoing cancer treatment. It will provide parents with insights into how siblings may be affected by the illness and offer strategies to help them cope. Topics include fostering open communication, addressing feelings of jealousy or guilt, maintaining sibling relationships, and ensuring siblings feel loved and supported.  The session will conclude with a Q&A to address concerns and signpost you to available supports.   This webinar will be facilitated by Debbie Cullinane. Debbie is a former teacher, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist and play therapist and has been supporting families affected by Childhood Cancer since 2019.

Self care in treatment

Thursday 8th May at 10am This webinar is designed for parents and caregivers of children/adolescents undergoing cancer treatment. You may be encouraged by everyone to ‘look after yourself’ during treatment but what does that mean and how do you find time when you are juggling the care of your child and possibly siblings. Topics will include basic self-care tips such as sleep, diet, movement and managing worry and anxiety with a focus on simple strategies that may be achievable.  The session will conclude with a Q&A to address concerns and signpost you to available supports.  

Communication in treatment

Thursday 12th June  at 10am This webinar focuses on communicating with your family, community and medical team. It can feel like you are learning a new medical language at a stressful time and getting to know your medical team. Within their own personal supports, parents often share that they are learning to ask for help and are both unsure on what to ask for and how best to ask. As well as unsure on how to communicate the diagnosis and treatment with their child and siblings.   This webinar will be co-facilitated by Ciara Kennedy, Clinical Nurse Specialist, CHI Crumlin and Dr Mairead Brennan, Childhood Cancer Ireland Director of Psychosocial services, who will share tips and phrases that may help you across your personal and professional supports. The session will conclude with a Q&A to address concerns and signpost you to available supports.    

Register

Register here for one or more of these webinars.
06 Mar 2025
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