Please remember that most of the time the symptoms described on signs and symptoms:

think  LADYBIRD are not due to cancer

 

However, please get your child checked if your are concerned, because for the few children that do have cancer,

 

early diagnosis can save lives.

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• If you are worried that your child is acutely very unwell, they need to be seen as an emergency (dial 999) if your child is:

  • drowsy, confused or unresponsive

  • looks a blue colour or is struggling to breath

  • has had a first seizure

  • has a non blanching rash (tumbler test) or has uncontrolled bleeding

  • any other features that cause you as a parent to be concerned they are acutely very unwell.

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• Otherwise, if they appear relatively well, make sure you see your GP the same day. Let them know why you need an urgent appointment if appointment slots are limited:

  • Explain your concerns

  • Remember, there are a lot of other conditions that it could be as well. The role of your GP is  to rule out serious conditions when a child presents unwell.

  • Childhood cancer often presents with symptoms similar to normal childhood illnesses, so in some cases the GP may ask you to return after a few days.

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Important

1. If your child has ongoing symptoms, that are not improving and you have seen the GP on more than 2 occasions, make sure you voice your concerns and worries. This is especially important if you have seen a different practitioner on each occasion or are concerned something as been overlooked.

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   2. Make sure the GP knows how many times your child has been in for that

       particular problem.

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   3. Through no fault of their own, General Practitioners are working under

       intense time pressures, so if you feel something has not been discussed, do 

       not hesitate to ask for areas to be revisited. 

 

   4. If you remain very concerned,  you have every right to ask for a second                  opinion but please talk to your doctor first and explain if possible. It may

       be they had no idea just how concerned you were.

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Most importantly, if you remain extremely concerned, please keep trying.

Often a different doctor (looking at the case from a fresh view point) can be exceptionally beneficial.