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Children's Cancer Centre

Living with cancer

  • COVID-19 RESOURCES

    Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology and Oncology Group (ANZCHOG) Vaccine Guidance

    This resource provides advice regarding COVID-19 vaccine for children 12 years and above undergoing oncology treatment, or with non-malignant blood disorders. 

    ANZCHOG COVID-19 School attendance guidance for children undergoing cancer treatment and children with non-cancerous blood disorders

    Click here to access information and FAQs regarding school attendance for children receiving treatment for cancer, and non-malignant blood disorders.

    Kids Health Info

    Browse Kids Health Info website or app dedicated to providing quality, up-to-date health information. The fact sheets have been developed for parents and adolescents, and cover pertinent topics about medical conditions and the services available at the Royal Children's Hospital.

    Victorian Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service (PICS): Information resources

    The Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service (PICS) is one of nine Victorian Integrated Cancer Services (ICS). The ICS are clusters of hospitals and health services across Victoria that work together to plan and improve services for people with cancer.

    The PICS is a state wide service that works together with The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), Monash Children’s Hospital (MCH), Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and nine regional shared care centres to promote high quality, safe and effective care as close to home as possible for all children and adolescents with cancer in Victoria.

    The PICS supports the paediatric cancer workforce through face-to-face and online training, evidence-based resources and statewide programs that work to integrate and facilitate best practice care across the state. The PICS also works with children and adolescents with cancer and their families to offer information on cancer diagnosis and treatment, transition to regional care services and support during and after cancer treatment ends.

    To learn more about PICS visit www.vics.org.au/pics.

    The Children's Cancer Centre worked closely with PICS to develop and provide information for children and families with a cancer diagnosis.  PICS provide information and resources about diagnosis and treatment, coming off treatment, surveillance and survivorship. As well as written information, podcasts and films in English (they can also provide translated information in other languages).

    A key source of information is: Childhood Cancer , Diagnosis and Treatment , A practical guide for parents and families.

      Long Term Follow-up Program (LTFP)

      Finishing cancer treatment is a positive time for survivors of childhood cancer and their families, however this time may also bring about feelings of worry, uncertainty or confusion about the future.

      The Long Term Follow-up Program (LTFP) provides support and survivorship care for children, adolescents and their families by:

      • Providing a tailored medical, nursing and allied health service that is designed for your child needs.
      • Helping children and adolescents and their families to transition to adult community and/or hospital services
      • Offering information about what to expect when coming off treatment

      The program is available to all paediatric and adolescent (18 years or younger) survivors of childhood cancer living in Victoria. The PICS LTFP clinics are held at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Monash Children’s Hospital, and at designated regional centres.

      To download the Long Term Follow-up Program Information for patients and families brochure, please click here.

      If you would like to know more about this program or to access links for further assistance visit the LTFP web page or contact the LTFP team at ltf.program@rch.org.au.

      Regional Outreach and Shared Care Program (ROSCP)

      Approximately 30% of children and adolescents with cancer, treated by The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and Monash Children’s Hospital (MCH), live in regional areas.

      The goal of the Regional Outreach and Shared Care Program (ROSCP) is to provide care as close to home as possible, when it is safe to do so. Treatment for children within a participating regional health service remains directed by the Oncology team at either RCH or MCH, under a shared care model.

      The program also provides education and training to regional centres and is supported with funding by the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation.

      The regional centres involved are:

      • Albury Wodonga Health (Albury Base Hospital)
      • Ballarat Health Services (Ballarat Base Hospital)
      • Barwon Health (University Hospital Geelong)
      • Bendigo Health (Bendigo Hospital)
      • Goulburn Valley Health (Shepparton Hospital)
      • Latrobe Regional Hospital (Traralgon)
      • Peninsula Health (Frankston Hospital)
      • Northeast Health Wangaratta
      • South West Healthcare (Warrnambool Base Hospital)

      To download the Regional Outreach and Shared Care Program information brochure for patients and their families, click here.

      If you would like to know more about this service, or would like to know if you are eligible for this program please speak to your child’s treating team.