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I work with children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer

	Julie Stannard is a Macmillan community children’s nurse specialist. Her role is to support children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer.

My name is Julie Stannard and I have been working as a Macmillan Community Children's Nurse Specialist in South Essex for the last five years. I really enjoy my job and my working day is very varied with no two days ever alike. I feel very privileged, as I am able to visit children, teenagers and their families in their own home.

I am based with the community children's nursing service at Basildon & Southend on Sea, Essex. All the children, teenagers with cancer and their families will have a named community children's nurse or paediatric community nurse who will visit every week when they are at home. I try and meet families when they are first diagnosed with cancer, as it can be a big shock for everyone. I think that it is really important to try and spend time with the children, teenagers and their families to help them understand their treatment plans and answer any questions that they may have. For example, some parents may have to take time off work, which can have a real financial impact on the family. I also will visit families at different times during their treatment to take blood tests, and offer practical advice and support.

For some children and teenagers, finishing treatment can also be a difficult time for them and their families. Their cancer treatment soon becomes a way of life as they are used to having their treatment, attending hospital, and seeing different health care professionals regularly. Even though at the end of treatment all children and young people are offered follow up appointments by the hospital, getting back to normal can take some time. I am able to offer practical support and liaise with both their health care professionals and their school.

It is important for children and teenagers with cancer to spend as much time at school as possible when they are having treatment. My role involves teaching others the facts about cancer and its treatment, which includes spending time visiting schools and answering their questions. Teachers need to be aware of the issues to help children and teenagers cope. Even details such as being able to wear hats or caps without fear of being told off, because they have lost their hair due to chemotherapy, need to be considered, as well as the implications of their treatment plan.


	I encourage teachers to view the Support section of this site to access the resources for schools, and to find out about other organisations that provide relevant support and resources. The main Macmillan website also has some useful information.