FACING A BRAIN TUMOUR DIAGNOSIS
Staying Strong for your child and for you
When your child is diagnosed with a brain tumour, this can be a very stressful and frightening time.
You will be deluged with lots of information and treatment plans by the doctor. In many cases treatment might begin the same day, giving you no time to psychologically prepare. You will undoubtedly be in shock and may well find yourself confused.
'Facing Diagnosis' is part of the 'It's Good to talk' series of films
Our short Facing Diagnosis film to help you become your child’s best advocate.
The film is presented by Dr Emily Grossman and features parents of children who have been down the road of having a child diagnosed with cancer.
The ‘Facing Diagnosis’ film tells you what to expect and suggests ways to prepare for different situations. You are a key part of your child’s treatment; you know your child better than anyone else, how they cope with fear, what cheers them up or what upsets them. You know how best to talk to your child and how to help your child relax.
I THINK MY CHILD HAS A BRAIN TUMOUR
Childhood brain tumours are relatively rare.
Childhood brain tumours are thankfully relatively rare.
1500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK, of these, around 400 children and are diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Most of the time symptoms that your child may show that cause you concern will not be due to a brain tumour.
However, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are concerned.
What are the Symptoms of a Childhood brain tumour ?
Symptoms of brain tumours can vary from child to child.
Symptoms can often mimic relatively minor childhood illnesses.
Common symptoms of brain tumours
- Persistent Vomiting or Feeling Sick
- Abnormal Eye Movements
- Blurred or Double Vision
- Abnormal Head Position
- Recurring Headaches
- Fits or Seizures
- Behavioural Changes
Taking Your Child to a G.P if you suspect a brain tumour
If your child has one or more of the symptoms listed, or you are concerned, you should take them to see a Doctor as soon as possible.
Explain your worries about the symptoms being a sign of a possible brain tumour.
If your child is exhibiting two or more of the symptoms listed, ask the Doctor for an urgent referral, meaning your child will be given an appointment with a specialist who can look into the cause of the symptoms.
When the prognosis isn't positive
As difficult as it is to talk about, sometimes the prognosis for a particular cancer maybe that it is untreatable or has reached a point where only palliative care is an option.
Joss Searchlight can be there for you at this time and has specialist support workers that can help you with planning, creating special memories and making sure your wishes for your child are communicated. .
Every case is different, so if you have received a terminal diagnosis contact Joss Searchlight by clicking the link below.
Even though cancer affects 1 in 500 children every year in the U.K, things are getting a whole lot better for children with cancer
Fifty Years ago, sadly 60% of children with a cancer diagnosis didn’t make it. Now the prognosis for most children is looking much better with 80% of children recovering from most cancers.
We need to get the cure rate up for Brain Tumours – NOW
What are support workers ?
Joss Searchlight Support workers are there for you when you need them. They can help when the going gets really tough, when you’re facing the tough questions and provide emotional support to parents, siblings and of course your child with cancer.
Whether you need an initial chat on the phone or a personal visit we will do our best to arrange a support worker to be there when you’re finding it hard to cope.
Our Support Workers are not social workers and are not there to judge you.
“Conflict will generally happen in a parental relationship and that’s okay. You’ll get through it It’s not uncommon to talk to parents who are in conflict, different decisions are being made. Under pressure any relationship is hard, especially at a time when you’re extremely concerned about the welfare of your child”
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Childhood brain tumours are relatively rare.
Childhood brain tumours are thankfully relatively rare.
1500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK, of these, around 400 children are diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Most of the time symptoms that your child may show that cause you concern will not be due to a brain tumour.
However, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are concerned.
What are the Symptoms of a Childhood brain tumour ?
Symptoms of brain tumours can vary from child to child.
Symptoms can often mimic relatively minor childhood illnesses.
Common symptoms of brain tumours
- Persistent Vomiting or Feeling Sick
- Abnormal Eye Movements
- Blurred or Double Vision
- Abnormal Head Position
- Recurring Headaches
- Fits or Seizures
- Behavioural Changes
Taking Your Child to a G.P if you suspect a brain tumour
If your child has one or more of the symptoms listed, or you are concerned, you should take them to see a Doctor as soon as possible.
Explain your worries about the symptoms being a sign of a possible brain tumour.
If your child is exhibiting two or more of the symptoms listed, ask the Doctor for an urgent referral, meaning your child will be given an appointment with a specialist who can look into the cause of the symptoms.
