My child just finished treatment for cancer. What can I do to help her stay healthy?

Because of better treatment, children who have cancer are living longer than they used to, and their quality of life is better. Although they lead normal lives, survivors of cancer must take extra-special care of their health. Parents of children who have been treated for cancer should do the following:

• Schedule regular checkups. Be alert to signs of the possible return of cancer.
• Be alert to signs of lasting effects of cancer treatment.
• Be tuned in to any problems your child may have in dealing with feelings about having had cancer, even years after treatment has ended.
• Promote good health habits such as eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising.

Ask your child's doctor about when to schedule checkups, and what to look for that may indicate a return of cancer or lasting effects of treatment. More information about what parents can do to help a child who has been treated for cancer is available in the NCI booklet Young People with Cancer: A Handbook for Parents. You can get a copy by calling the NCI's Cancer Information Service at 800-4-CANCER. You can also view and print it from the web.

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