Across Australia, around 1,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer every year - and heartbreakingly three lives are lost every week. That's the equivalent of a classroom of 30 kids lost every school term, every year. That's thirty families forever changed. 

Across the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN), world-leading oncology teams are working around the clock to not only treat childhood cancer, but to support kids and their families through every moment of that journey. Their work goes beyond lifesaving care, they are also driving game-changing research, pioneering new therapies, and treatments and pushing us closer to the cures every family is hoping for.

With internationally recognised programs, advanced treatments and a family-centred approach to care, the oncology services at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW) and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick (SCH) are giving children the best possible chance to survive, heal and thrive. 

What is paediatric oncology? 

Paediatric oncology is a specialised field dedicated to diagnosing, treating and caring for children and adolescents with cancer.

At SCHN, this means caring for young patients with all forms of childhood cancer – always with a deep understanding of their unique physical and emotional needs.

Care extends far beyond medical treatment. It includes emotional support, education, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up to monitor for late effects and support survivorship. Every child’s journey is different, and SCHN is committed to providing personalised care tailored to each family’s needs. 

Two centres, one purpose: world-class care 

SCHN is home to two of Australia's leading childhood cancer centres, the Cancer Centre for Children at CHW and the Kids Cancer Centre at SCH, providing multidisciplinary care to children with cancer in inpatient, outpatient and community care settings.

This care will be further strengthened by the new Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre (MCCCC) at SCH, a purpose-built facility bringing together world-class clinical care, research, and technology to improve outcomes for children with cancer.

Included in MCCCC's facilities and services are a 900-strong community of dedicated child cancer professionals, state-of-the-art, technologically advanced wet and dry laboratory spaces, new inpatient units and much more.

Together, these centres support children from across NSW and beyond, ensuring families stay connected to world-class expertise and compassionate care throughout their journey. 

Research at the forefront of care

Across SCHN’s cancer centres and the transformative MCCCC, research isn’t just an add-on, it is fully embedded into clinical care. MCCCC — Australia’s first dedicated comprehensive children’s cancer centre, will bring together clinicians and scientists under one roof to rapidly translate discoveries.

Together, these centres are advancing precision medicine, clinical trials and holistic survivorship programs — with donor support playing a pivotal role in powering this research pipeline and improving outcomes for kids with cancer. 

Care beyond the diagnosis 

Cancer treatment affects more than a child's body – it touches every part of their life, and their family’s lives too. 

That’s why SCHN provides truly holistic support: child-life therapists, psychosocial care, education programs to help children keep learning, as well as play therapy, music therapy, and specialised nursing support. 

As treatment evolves, so too does follow-up care. Survivorship clinics help children transition back into everyday life, monitoring for long-term effects and supporting them to reclaim their childhood – and their future. 

The role of SCHF: standing with kids with cancer 

SCHF plays a vital role in helping to ensure the very best resources are available. 

As the official fundraising partner for SCHN, SCHF helps fund specialised equipment, groundbreaking research and clinical trials, outreach services, advanced training for oncology nurses and comfort programs that support children and families through their most difficult moments.

From clinical trials that bring new treatments to young patients, to funding programs like the Oncology Outreach Service and child-life therapy services across both hospitals, SCHF donors are changing the future for kids with cancer. 

Stories like little Ted’s — whose bravery inspired so many during Walk for Kids with Cancer — remind us just how powerful community support can be in helping families face the unthinkable. 

Looking ahead: changing the future for kids with cancer 

As childhood cancer research advances rapidly, SCHN is committed to ensuring children across NSW and beyond can access innovations – from new therapies to precision medicine – that improve both survival and quality of life. 

This vision is bold, and it can only become a reality with continued support. That’s where you come in. 

Your donation today can change the future for kids facing cancer.