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In this section of the resource you will find information about common side effects faced by children with cancer and some options for supportive care.

Children or young people with cancer may require blood component support throughout their journey. This section covers blood, platelet and white cell transfusions.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition we are most likely to see in children or young people (CYP) who are having treatment for cancers that involve multiple doses of vincristine (a neurotoxic agent) such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

This page provides an overview of the main side effects of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are said to be the most documented distressing side-effects of childhood cancer treatment, potentially influencing adherence with future treatments if not managed appropriately.

Constipation is a common symptom in children undergoing cancer treatment or receiving palliative care. It can significantly impact comfort, appetite, and overall wellbeing, and requires proactive management.

Children and young people who are febrile have direct access back to their respective cancer centre.

Children and adolescents with cancer are more at risk of infections because of the disease itself and because of the treatment, both of which can affect the immune system.

In the UK, approximately 60–90% child and young person survivors of childhood cancer develop one or more chronic health conditions, requiring varying levels of intervention depending on the individual need.

Oral complications are a common side effect of cytotoxic anti-cancer treatment (including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some immunotherapies). Oral complications are recognized as a distressing side effect which negatively impacts the quality of life of children and young people with cancer (Alves, et al, 2012).