Additional support services for children with cancer introduces by CANSA

Parents and guardians of children with cancer face a long and tough journey from diagnosis to recovery.

“Not 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,” said Anina Meiring, national manager of Childhood Cancer Services for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) based in Bedfordview.

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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 child’s daily life and the family.

This understanding can help them cope and start planning for the future.

The organisation 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 patients.

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“Brain profiling provides parents and guardians with a deep understanding of the children’s thinking preferences, decision-making processes, communication styles, and relationship-building approaches,” explained Meiring.

“The resulting report from the online assessment provides insights into why the child may communicate, play and learn differently.”

These insights will help to enhance parents’ and guardians’ connection with the children and support their well-being throughout their cancer journey.

Interested parents and guardians can visit https://qkt.io/TLCBrainProfile to sign up and pay for the brain profiling programme on the Quicket platform.

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A detailed report outlining the patient’s unique thinking preferences and communication styles will be received 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 your own home.

Meiring added, “It’s usual for parents or guardians to feel overwhelmed by the information about their child’s 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.”

CANSA’s TLC programme offers children with cancer and their parents or guardians and families several services to help them cope with the challenges of living with the dreaded disease.

These include physical, spiritual, psychological, social, and general well-being methods of support.