September marks the start of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children and families affected by childhood cancer.
For children diagnosed with a brain tumour, the impact can extend far beyond their physical health. Diagnosis and treatment can affect their emotions, relationships, education and everyday life, as well as the wellbeing of the whole family.
Clinical psychology support can help children, young people and families navigate these challenges, giving them a safe space to talk, understand their experiences and find ways to cope.
As Dr Emily Townsend, Tom’s Trust Clinical Psychologist at Oxford Children’s Hospital, explains:
“When a child is diagnosed with a brain tumour, it creates ripples that impact the whole system around them. Clinical psychology can give families and young people a space to explore how they can live the life that they want to, alongside their diagnosis and treatment.”
At Tom’s Trust, we provide specialist clinical psychology support to children and families affected by brain tumours, helping them navigate not only their diagnosis and treatment, but life alongside it.
This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting why that support matters.