Brain tumours
It is extremely distressing to find out that your child has a brain tumour. It can raise many different emotions. It is very normal to feel angry, sad, upset and shocked. There is such a lot to take in. You are likely to worry about whether they will get the right treatment, what will happen, and how you will all cope.
If you have other children most parents and grandparents worry about them as well. Practical help and support is something people nearly always need. This might be help with shopping or with looking after other children in the family.
It is essential that parents and other close family also have support. It doesn’t show weakness to ask for help. Talking to friends and other members of the family can help you deal with your feelings.
Specialist nurses and social workers at the hospital can offer support too. Some centres can also offer more formal psychosocial help to parents. Ask your child’s clinical nurse specialist if they can let you know what’s available.
Get information and tips about coping emotionally with cancer
Cancer Research UK has an online forum called CancerChat. Here you’re able to chat to other people, including parents, who are affected by cancer.
The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's largest dedicated brain tumour charity. It funds research, provides support and information services and raises awareness. It aims to reduce the harm brain tumours have on quality of life, and ultimately, to find a cure.
Support line: 0808 800 0004 Email: support@thebraintumourcharity.org Contact form
Find out about The Brain Tumour Charity
The Children and Young People's Cancer Association (CCLG) work to coordinate national and international clinical trials. They were previously called the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group. They also provide information about cancer for children, young people and their families.
Phone: 0333 050 7654 Email: info@cclg.org.uk
The Children and Young People's Cancer Association website
Tom’s Trust is a UK charity that provides mental health support to children with brain tumours and their families. They currently support families from 3 cancer centres but hope to expand to more hospitals in the UK soon. As well as providing support they also have a Toolkit for adults supporting siblings of children with brain tumours.
Phone: 0300 102 8667 Email: info@tomstrust.org.uk
Young Lives vs Cancer is a charity that provides clinical, practical, financial and emotional support for children and young people and their families who are affected by cancer. You can chat to the social care team through their live chat Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Or you can email or phone them.
Phone: 0300 330 0803 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Find out about Young Lives vs Cancer on their website
This project aims to increase the awareness of brain tumour symptoms in children and young people. This is to try and improve the diagnosis of childhood brain tumours.
Phone: 01252 237 792
Maggie’s is a national charity with centres across the UK. They offer care and support to people affected by cancer. Each centre is beside an NHS cancer hospital and is run by specialist staff.
You can join a support group, take part in weekly sessions like relaxation and stress management, or learn about nutrition and health. You can also visit just to have a cup of tea and a friendly chat.
Phone: 0300 123 1801 Email: enquiries@maggies.org
Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for low-income families raising children or young people who are:
disabled
seriously ill
Family Fund:
gives grants to families on a low income for items they may not otherwise be able to afford
offers services to help parents and carers achieve the outcomes they want for their child and family
provides families with ways to share their experiences, so it can help others in the long-term
Phone: 01904 550055
Over The Wall are a national charity that supports children and young people facing serious health challenges through residential camps in communities across the UK.
There are also sibling and family camps available.
Some organisations can put you in touch with a cancer support group. We have information about books, leaflets and other resources about cancer treatment.
Last reviewed: 13 Dec 2022
Next review due: 13 Dec 2025
The main treatments for children’s brain and spinal cord tumours are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Brain tumours and their treatment can cause physical and mental changes. Understanding about what they might be can help you cope.
Many children and young people with brain tumours have their treatment as part of a clinical trial. Read about some of the research happening in the UK.
Find out about what to expect when your child is first diagnosed.
Children’s cancer affects the whole family. It’s a big shock and change for everyone, including your other children. Here are some tips from parents who have experienced children’s cancer.
Brain tumours are the second most common type of children’s cancer in the UK. Around 420 children are diagnosed with these tumours each year in the UK.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
