How do you explain the processes of childhood cancer to other children, i.e. cancer, chemo, losing hair?

Slowly and in a relaxed atmosphere, giving the information that they need and supplying the words to ask the questions.

"I expect you are wondering…"

"X is a bit upset at the moment, he isn’t feeling well.."

Remember to anticipate the worst fears. Remind the child that the disease is not catching. Stress that treatment will help in the long run.

I remember a Grade 4 class who got to wear any sort of hat they liked in class until Mikey got his hair back. [Mikey said they all thanked him repeatedly.]

Showing solidarity, sharing, preparing small gifts or messages can help.

It depends on the age of the children….

What I found worked was I told them I had a nasty disease, but it wasn’t a catchy sort of disease.

Because it was such a nasty disease, I had to have very strong medicine.

The strong medecine made me feel tired, made my hair fall out and sometimes made me feel like I couldn’t eat, but that was because it was such strong medicine.

Once the medicine had worked I would get beter, my hair would grow back and I would be able to do all the things I was too tired todo while I was sick.