Recommended Pediatric Cancer Websites for Health Professionals

BC Children’s Hospital - www.bcchildrens.ca

This is a hospital specific website, however provides information and website links pertaining to pediatric hematology/oncology that can be generally used by patients, families and health professionals.

 

Children’s Oncology Group (COG) - www.childrensoncologygroup.org

The Children’s Oncology Group (COG), a National Cancer Institute supported clinical trials group, is the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research.  COG unites more than 8,000 experts in childhood cancer at more than 200 leading children’s hospitals, universities, and cancer centres across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe in the fight against childhood cancer.  Not only does this site serve as a communication tool for health professionals (password required) but it also has a component for patients and families that does not require a password to access.  The Children’s Oncology Group provides important information for children and their families from the time of diagnosis, through treatment and following cure.  They are the creators of The Children's Oncology Group Family Handbook 2^nd Edition, providing families with reliable information about treatment, support, and follow-up care for children and young people with cancer.

 

COG Survivorship Guidelines - www.survivorshipguidelines.org

The Children’s Oncology Group Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult  Cancers were developed as a collaborative effort of the Nursing Discipline and the Late Effects Committee and are maintained and updated by the Children’s Oncology Group’s Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines Core Committee and its associated Task Forces.  The purpose of these guidelines is to provide recommendations for screening and management of late effects that may potentially arise as a result of therapeutic exposures used during treatment for pediatric malignancies.

  

 

POGO – www.pogo.ca

Pediatric Oncology specialists in Ontario have collaborated closely, since 1983, to deliver the right care at the right time and in the right place for children with cancer and their families.  This work has been carried out by Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO).  Through healthcare innovation, survivor care, financial assistance for families, population data, policy development, research, and education, POGO has created a highly integrated and seamless pediatric cancer system that supports children and families throughout the spectrum of illness, recovery and survivorship.  Much of the information on this website is for children/adolescents and their families with Cancer however a significant component is directed towards health professionals.

 

BC Cancer Agency - http://www.bccancer.bc.ca

This website provides information about cancer for all ages but has an extensive list of pediatric resources and websites available for patients and families as well as health professionals.

 

Canadian Partnership Against Cancer - www.partnershipagainstcancer.ca

Cancerview.ca connects Canadians to online services, information and resources for cancer control.  It is designed to benefit: People affected by cancer, including patients, survivors, friends, family and the public; People who treat or care for people affected by cancer; and People who work in cancer control or health-care organizations across Canada.  This ever-evolving portal brings together resources from the many partner organizations across Canada and internationally working together in cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and supportive, palliative and end-of-life care.

 

National Cancer Institute – www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/PDQ

The National Cancer Institute coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients.  It has a child hood Cancer component with excellent disease specific information.  All COG clinical trials are registered with NCI.

 

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada - www.braintumour.ca

The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is comprised of adedicated team of volunteers, patients, survivors, family members, health care professionals and staff, determined to make the journey with a brain tumour one full of hope and support. Their vision is to find the cause of and a cure for brain tumours while improving the quality of life for those affected and their mission is to reach every person in Canada who is affected by a brain tumour through support, education, information and research.  The Foundation raises funds to lead research into the cause of and cure for this devastating disease.  We also provide vital programs for the brain tumour community, including Support Groups and Information Day Conferences, and resources like the Brain Tumour Handbooks and Information Sheets.

 

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada - www.leukemia-lymphoma.org

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary (nonprofit) health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education (for patients and families as well as for health professionals) and patient services.  The mission of LLSC is to: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.  They have disease specific information on childhood blood cancers as well as supportive resources to manage their cancer. Most of their resources are free and available in downloadable versions.

 

Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology – www.capo.ca

The Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO)is an organization of professionals, clinicians, researchers, educators, and others dedicated to the understanding, treatment and study of the social, psychological, emotional, spiritual and quality-of-life aspects of cancer.  CAPO leads nationally and globally in promoting capacity for and excellence in psychosocial oncology services to enhance the wellness of individuals and families.  The purpose of the CAPO is to foster and encourage interdisciplinary excellence in psychosocial research education and clinical practice in oncology.  The site is available to health professionals and requires a membership fee to access information within.

 

Canadian Virtual Hospice – www.virtualhospice.ca

The Canadian Virtual Hospice provides support and personalized information about palliative and end-of-life care to patients, family members, health care providers, researchers and educators.  In 2001, a group of palliative care leaders gathered to consider whether a web-based platform could address some of the gaps in palliative care in Canada.  They recognized that Canadians need a reputable source for finding information and support, whenever they need it, wherever they live.  There are both educational and supportive aspects for patients and families, as well as a specific page for health professionals promoting relevant learning opportunities and practice tools.  This hospice service allows those without ready access to palliative care specialists, to ask questions to a clinical team specialized in palliative care.

 

Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association - http://www.chpca.net/

The CHPCA is the national voice for Hospice Palliative Care in Canada. Advancing and advocating for quality end-of-life/hospice palliative care in Canada, its work includes public policy, public education and awareness.  Established in 1991, its volunteer Board of Directors is composed of hospice palliative care workers and volunteers from Canadian provinces and territories as well as members-at-large.

 

Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association - http://nshpca.ca/

Their mission is to achieve comfort and peace for persons living and dying with a life threatening illness throughout Nova Scotia.  The Association exists to promote the philosophy and principles of palliative care through networking, public and professional education, advocacy and research.  It lists resources and provides to website links to palliative care and bereavement resources. It seems geared to health professionals however anyone can fully access the site.