Coping with Wilms tumour

It is extremely distressing to find out that your child has cancer. It can raise many different emotions. It is very normal to feel angry, sad, upset and shocked. It is such a lot to take in. You are likely to worry about whether they will get the right treatment, what will happen, and how you will all cope. 

If you have other children, parents and grandparents worry about them as well. Practical help and support is something people nearly always need. For example, shopping or help with looking after other children in the family.

It is essential that parents and other close family members also have support. Talking to friends and other members of the family can help you deal with your feelings.

Talk to your child's specialist nurse and doctors about any worries that you have. They want you to feel comfortable and confident with the treatment and care that your child is getting.

Organisations that can help

Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group

The Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) produces booklets for parents and brothers and sisters of children with cancer that you may find helpful. You can download these from their website.

Young Lives vs Cancer

Young Lives vs Cancer is a charity that provides clinical, practical, financial and emotional support for children and young people and their families who are affected by cancer.

Children with Cancer UK 

Children with Cancer UK is looking to improve survival rates across all types of childhood cancer. And support children and their families to live better with and after treatment.

This charity funds research projects around the UK. The aim is to improve treatment for children and young people with cancer. It also organises free days out for families affected by childhood cancer. And funds practical support to help families.

Wilms Cancer Foundation

Wilms Cancer Foundation aims to raise awareness about Wilms tumours internationally. They provide information about treatment and have an online support network.

The charity is based in Canada, so some of the information on the website may not apply to those in the UK.

The Future Fertility Programme is run by a team of doctors, researchers and tissue bank specialists. They are part of Oxford University Hospitals (OUH). 

They aim to help children and young people at risk of infertility due to illness or treatment. 

Other sources of help

Some organisations can put you in touch with a cancer support group. We have information about books, leaflets and other resources about cancer treatment.

Cancer Research UK nurses

Cancer Research UK has an online forum called Cancer Chat. You may find it helpful to join the forum to talk to other people whose children or relatives have cancer.