arents and guardians of children with cancer face a long and tough journey from diagnosis to recovery, says Anina Meiring, National Manager: Childhood Cancer Services for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
âNot only do they need to be emotional pillars of strength for the children, but they also need to understand the treatment plan and find ways in which the children can cope through this challenging time,â she says.
These challenges are highlighted this International Childhood Cancer Day taking place in February. As a parent of a child with cancer, CANSA understands that this can be an extremely challenging and overwhelming time. When a child receives a diagnosis of cancer, parents must understand the treatment plan and its potential impact on the childâs daily life and the family. This understanding can help them cope and start planning for the future.
A recent mother that was helped, said, âIt helped me a lot when the treating team explained the cancer treatment to me in a way that I could understand. I had to learn to ask for help, which I receive particularly from CANSA TLC. Looking after yourself is also very important. Itâs important to spoil yourself sometimes, even if it is just for a short while.â
New Online Service
CANSA knows only too well how childrenâs cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and has launched an additional support resource to its Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) programme. The online programme, which costs a nominal R270, focuses on brain profiling for the parent and four to nine-year-old cancer-diagnosed children.
âBrain profiling provides parents and guardians with a deep understanding of the childrenâs thinking preferences, decision-making processes, communication styles, and relationship-building approaches,â explains Meiring. âThe resulting report from the online assessment provides insights into why the child may communicate, play and learn differently.â
These insights will help to enhance parents and guardiansâ connection with the children and support their well-being throughout their cancer journey.
How it Works
Interested parents and guardians can simply go to  https://qkt.io/TLCBrainProfile to sign up and pay for the brain profiling programme on the secure Quicket platform. They will receive a detailed report outlining the child patientâs unique thinking preferences and communication styles within five working days of completing the online assessment. This is a non-intrusive, non-threatening process that may be completed in the comfort of their own homes. The insights the programme delivers will empower them and the child with cancer to thrive through the journey to recovery.
Meiring adds, âItâs usual for parents or guardians to feel overwhelmed by the information about their childâs cancer, treatment options, and procedures involved. However, with the right support and guidance, parents can navigate this challenging time and provide their child with the care and love they need. By remaining strong and resilient, parents can impart hope and courage in their child and the whole family.â
CANSAâs TLC programme offers children with cancer and their parents or guardians and families several services and offerings to help them cope with the challenges of living with the dread disease. These include physical, spiritual, psychological, social, and general well-being methods of support.
