Abstract
To have a child diagnosed with cancer is one of the most life-altering experiences that a family will ever need to face. Childhood cancer parent groups and foundations have been formed throughout the world to help families through this unwelcome journey.
Despite the fact that the burden of childhood cancer is not recognized in many countries, the impact of the disease on the family, community, and economy is devastating.
In developing countries most children present late with advanced disease. The chances of a successful outcome are severely compromised by this as well as other factors such as access to care, lack of transport, financial burdens, cultural beliefs, etc. In this context the presence of childhood cancer support organizations, parent groups, and childhood cancer foundations is essential in the fight against cancer.
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Suggested Reading
Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (“CHOC”). CHOC’s guide for parents [Internet]. 2006. Available from: http://www.choc.org.za/pdf/parent_handbook.pdf
The Executive Committee of ICCCPO (The International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organizations). Your Group is Not Alone [Internet]. 2008. Available from: http://cms.onlinebase.nl/userfiles/c1icccpo/file/Handbook_FINAL.pdf
World Health Organization (WHO). Cancer pain relief and palliative care in children. Geneva: WHO; 1998.
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Dollman, K., Bekele, W., Watanabe, K. (2014). Psycho-Social Aspects/Parent Support Groups. In: Stefan, D., Rodriguez-Galindo, C. (eds) Pediatric Hematology-Oncology in Countries with Limited Resources. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3891-5_12
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