Institute of Mother and Child: holidays are also possible for children undergoing oncological treatment
Children with cancer and their families face many difficult questions this summer: can they travel? How can they rest safely? Experts from the Institute of Mother and Child emphasize that properly planned rest – even during treatment – can bring children real benefits: physical, mental, and emotional.
Although children with cancer often spend their summers in hospitals, this doesn't mean they have to completely give up on fun and summer experiences. Rest—even short and simple—can be a source of strength for them.
"Cancer shouldn't completely take over a child's life. If their condition allows, it's worth creating space for them to rest, connect with peers, and experience ordinary summer moments," says Joanna Pruban, M.A. , a psycho-oncologist at the Institute of Mother and Child.
A child doesn't need spectacular attractions – a few quiet days with loved ones, playing in the garden, and connecting with nature are enough. This isn't "compensation" for illness, but rather an attempt to restore a sense of normalcy to the child.
The key decision regarding travel should be made by the attending physician. Children undergoing intensive care usually require constant supervision, but those in remission or stabilization may rest – albeit with caution.
Avoid heat and crowds – a child undergoing treatment has lower immunity, easily overheats and catches infections more easily.
Protect your skin – after chemotherapy and radiotherapy it is very sensitive, so SPF 50+ filters, light clothes, and hats are necessary.
Take care of hydration and diet – especially in summer, you need to regularly provide water and light meals.
Take documentation – a list of medications, doctor’s contact details, information about treatment – this is basic equipment for every trip.
"Some children are content with a few days spent with their grandmother in the countryside, while others find joy in a daily swim in the inflatable pool in front of the house. It's not about making up for what has been lost, but about making the child feel that summer belongs to them," explains Joanna Pruban.
The summer months can be a time to calm emotions and rebuild an inner sense of security. Even simple everyday activities can have therapeutic value.
"Children need a break not only from treatment, but also from the emotional stress that accompanies it. Everyday summer routine—even the simplest—can be a safe haven," says Joanna Pruban, M.A. , a psycho-oncologist at the Oncology Clinic at the Institute of Mother and Child.
Her experience shows that children undergoing cancer treatment most value returning to familiar places and normal activities where they can make their own decisions – this gives them back a sense of control over their lives, which the disease often takes away.
Not all children have the opportunity to travel. For many patients, vacation is a time of intensive treatment, spent in the hospital.
"During the summer, we continue intensive oncological therapy for many patients. However, we try – as much as possible – to take into account the child's needs related to age, daily rhythm, and contact with loved ones," says Prof. Anna Raciborska, MD, PhD , head of the Oncology Clinic at the Institute of Mother and Child.
In some cases, the therapy schedule can be planned so that the child can have at least short moments of rest or activities that support his or her well-being – even in a hospital setting.
In some situations, it is possible for a child to participate in organized summer camps, including those abroad. Two key conditions are essential: stable health and consent from the supervising physician .
The safest are sessions dedicated to pediatric cancer patients, organized with medical staff and psychologists. When traveling abroad, it's best to choose a country with good healthcare, have translated medical records, and ensure that your child can return to the treatment center quickly if necessary.
Children with cancer need not only medications and treatments, but also simple, positive memories. Every moment outside the hospital—spending ice cream together, playing soccer, camping in the garden—can give them strength in their fight against the disease.
"Illness doesn't preclude smiles, relationships, and joy. And we – as adults – have a huge influence on what emotions a child will experience during this time," concludes Joanna Pruban.
The Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology and Surgery Clinic at the Institute of Mother and Child is the oldest pediatric cancer treatment center in Poland. It provides comprehensive care from the prenatal period to age 25, specializing in solid tumors and bone-conserving treatment, among other areas. By 2024, it had performed over 1,000 endoprosthesis implantation procedures in children.
More information: https://imid.med.pl/pl/klinika-onkologii
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