Children with cancer face tremendous stress while undergoing
treatment, sometimes taking a toll on their cognitive, emotional
and physical well-being. Some children may experience
difficulties in his/her learning, emotions andbehaviour.
The child’s diet is also very important during his/her treatment
and different nutritional plans are necessary to maintain a
healthyweight.
To meet these needs and further enhance the quality of life of
children with cancer, CCF has collaborated with KK Women’s
andChildren’s Hospital (KKH) to roll out theCCFPsychosocial
and Supportive Care Programme for Paediatric Oncology
(CCFPSCP) from 1March 2017. The 3-year PSCP is a holistic
supportivecareprogrammewhichprovideschildrenwith tailored
interventions customised to their individual needs to optimise
emotional, cognitive, and physical outcomes through timely
neuro-psychosocial, rehabilitative and nutritional care.
Said Dr Jasper Tong, Director, Allied Health, KKH and Deputy
Group Director, Group Allied Health, SingHealth: “The fight
against cancer impacts children and their families mentally,
emotionally and physically. Survivors continue to be at an
increased riskof developingamultitudeof post-treatment effects
such as neurocognitive sequelae and deficits, and a higher risk
of complications inbody functions later in life.”
Childhood cancer survivors, especially those who have
undergone haematopoietic stem cell transplant, can develop
complications such as poor bone health, infertility, secondary
cancers, chronic liver, lungor renal diseases at a later stage.
“We are very grateful to CCF for their contributions which
enhances our ability to provide psychosocial and supportive
care for patients during treatment and beyond,” addedDr Tong,
whoalso leadsCCFPSCP.
In another collaboration with KKH – the CCF Paediatric
Oncology Survivorship Programme (CCF POSP) – the aim is
to develop a comprehensivemodel of care for long term follow-
up and transition of care as well as support clinical trials and
research through thecollectionof dataof youngcancer patients.
It will also help childhood cancer survivors with the resources
and knowledge to lead healthy and independent lives beyond
their treatment period.
Said Associate Professor Tan Ah Moy, Senior Consultant,
Haematology/Oncology Service, Department of Paediatric
Subspecialties, KKH: “KKH manages approximately 70 per
cent of children with cancer in Singapore. Harnessing valuable
information on the disease and follow-on effects of treatment is
valuable toexpand theexistingdatabaseofwhatweknowabout
childhood cancer.”
“This will support the initiation of clinical trials and research
aimed at enabling us to better help each child with cancer
and their family achieve an optimal quality of life,” addedAssoc
Prof Tan, whoalso leadsCCFPOSP.
CCF-KKH collaboration
enhancespatient care
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