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Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) in children

This information is about a condition called Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) in children. About 50 children in the UK develop LCH each year. It can affect children of any age, and is more common in boys than in girls.

Rare cancers in children

Childhood cancers are not common, but there are a number of very rare types. Rare cancers in children make up fewer than 1 in 30 of all childhood cancers

Practical issues

When your child finishes treatment, they will be seen frequently in clinic. How often will depend on the needs of your child, but it is usually every 4-6 weeks during the first year.

Feelings and emotions

Most parents whose child is approaching the end of treatment feel relieved that the treatment has worked, and that it no longer needs to play a big part in the life of their family. Families can stop planning around treatment and start to look forward.

Moving on

Moving on after your child has finished treatment

What happens now?

Once active treatment finishes, your child will move onto a specialised follow-up pathway designed to support them throughout their life.

I had cancer as a child

As one of over 45,000 survivors of childhood cancer now in the UK, it is important that you are offered the opportunity to understand your previous treatment and how it might impact your future health.

Emotions and feelings

Having a child diagnosed with cancer will affect you as parents or carers, and the people close to you.

Looking after yourself

You may feel overwhelmed with feelings and emotions and this is completely normal and understandable.

A mum sitting talking to her child while he waits for a scan.

Looking after your child

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it obviously has a big effect on them. They may be very frightened as well as feeling unwell and having side effects of treatment to cope with.