Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
Finding out that your child has leukaemia 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 most parents and grandparents worry about them as well. Practical help and support is something people nearly always need. This might be help with shopping or with looking after other children in the family.
It is essential that parents and other close family also have support. It doesn’t show weakness to ask for help. Talking to friends and other members of the family can help you deal with your feelings.
Specialist nurses and social workers at the hospital can offer support too. Some centres can also offer more formal psychosocial help and complementary therapies to parents. Ask your child’s clinical nurse specialist if they can let you know what’s available.
Get information and tips about coping with cancer
Cancer Research UK has an online forum called CancerChat. Here you’re able to chat to other people, including parents, who are affected by cancer.
The Children and Young People's Cancer Association (CCLG) work to coordinate national and international clinical trials. They were previously called the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group. They also provide information about cancer for children, young people and their families.
Phone: 0333 050 7654 Email: info@cclg.org.uk
The Children and Young People's Cancer Association website
Blood Cancer UK funds research, provides information and support to those affected by blood cancer. They publish information booklets and you can also connect and share experiences with other people dealing with blood cancer.
Support line: 0808 2080 888
Support line opening hours are:
10 am to 4pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
10 am to 7pm on Tuesday
10 am to 1 pm on Saturdays and bank holidays
Email address: support@bloodcancer.org.uk
Find out more on the Blood Cancer UK website
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. You can chat to the social care team through their live chat Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Or you can email or phone them.
Phone: 0300 330 0803 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Find out about Young Lives vs Cancer on their website
Maggie’s is a national charity with centres across the UK. They offer care and support to people affected by cancer. Each centre is beside an NHS cancer hospital and is run by specialist staff.
You can join a support group, take part in weekly sessions like relaxation and stress management, or learn about nutrition and health. You can also visit just to have a cup of tea and a friendly chat.
Phone: 0300 123 1801 Email: enquiries@maggies.org
The Future Fertility Programme Oxford 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.
Read more about their services
Some organisations can put you in touch with a cancer support group. We have information about books, leaflets and other resources about cancer treatment.
Last reviewed: 04 Dec 2024
Next review due: 04 Dec 2027
Find out about what to expect when your child is first diagnosed.
Here are organisations and websites that help and support children with cancer and their family and friends.
Treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in children is divided into different phases The main treatment is chemotherapy. Find out about the other treatments and different phases.
Whether you are someone with cancer or a carer for someone with cancer, we want you to know that it is common to struggle with your mental health when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. But there are people who can support you during this time and things you can do to help yourself.
Find out about childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, how it is diagnosed and treated, and resources and organisations that can help you cope.
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Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Connect with other people affected by cancer and share your experiences.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
