Cancer Treatment for Children & Teens
Access leading cancer care for children and teens.
If your child is diagnosed with cancer, rest assured you have access to the premier pediatric cancer treatment center in North Carolina at the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital. You and your child will be surrounded by expert compassionate care throughout their treatment. Novant Health is one of only eight St. Jude affiliate programs in the country, providing comprehensive cancer treatment in a family-centered environment in Charlotte.
Pediatric cancers
The types of pediatric cancers we treat at Novant Health Cancer Institute fall into three categories:
- Blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma
- Brain cancers, which are typically rare
- Solid cancers, also called sarcomas, may appear in organs like the liver or kidneys
Pediatric blood disorders
In addition to pediatric cancer care and treatment, we're also nationally recognized as a leader in caring for children with blood disorders, such as:
- Bleeding and coagulation disorders
- Sickle cell disease
- Other hematologic and blood disorders
Pediatric Cancer Treatment
Your cancer support services
Dedicated child-life support specialists provide children in our outpatient clinics with age-appropriate coping skills, direct access to educational resources and emotional support for siblings.
Our pediatric cancer teams collaborate with genetic counselors in our adult cancer centers. These specialists evaluate your child's family and medical history and provide genetic testing for at-risk patients.
A pediatric cancer diagnosis is one of the most difficult situations a parent can face. That's why Novant Health Cancer Institute provides a range of in-person and online support groups to help parents and family members through these challenging times.
Music and art therapy have been demonstrated to help children with cancer manage their moods, anxiety, and pain through creative activities.
A medical social worker is your advocate as you navigate the healthcare system and attend to your child's needs during diagnosis and treatment. These dedicated professionals will also help prepare you and your family for life after your child's discharge.
Who treats pediatric cancer?
Pediatric hematologists and oncologists
These specialists diagnose and treat blood disorders and cancers in children and teens. Depending on your child's type of cancer, your physician may recommend clinical-based therapies, and surgical oncologists may perform minimally invasive procedures.
Certified pediatric hematology oncology nurses
All nurses on our pediatric cancer care teams are Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses (CPHON). These professionals have earned this special designation due to their deep experience in their nursing practice, specific to pediatric hematology and oncology.
Meet a Pediatric Cancer Care Provider
Where to find support for pediatric cancer
Find treatment at St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Hemby Children's Hospital
Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital in Charlotte is one of the few programs in the country that's both a St. Jude Affiliate Clinic and a member of the National Cancer Institute's Children's Oncology Group for clinical trials. Hemby Children's Hospital is also recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a Hemophilia Treatment Center of Excellence.
Find family resources at Novant Health Kemp Bessant Support Center
Novant Health Cancer Institute Kemp Bessant Support Center in Charlotte is a family-friendly space developed to help you and your loved ones following a cancer diagnosis. The center offers individual and family counseling, support groups, educational programs and financial management.
For information, call 704-384-5223 or email: thyoung@novanthealth.org.
You’re entitled to a second opinion.
Are you concerned or confused about a cancer treatment recommendation or diagnosis your child has received? Another perspective on your case and options can give you some peace of mind. Reach out to schedule a virtual session or in-person consultation.
Access pediatric clinical research trials.
Novant Health is one of a few clinical trial sites to offer enrollment in select St. Jude Clinical trials based in Charlotte.
We’re also a member of the Children's Oncology Group, a clinical trials group supported by the National Cancer Institute, the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to pediatric cancer research.
Search for Clinical Trials at Novant Health
Why Choose Novant Health?
Accredited by multiple national organizations, including the Commission on Cancer and the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®), your Novant Health physician is committed to providing excellence in cancer care. You can feel confident that you will be supported throughout your cancer journey by a specialized team of experts focused on your specific needs. We work in state-of-the-art cancer care centers that are among the best in the country.
Your cancer journey is unique. That’s why our nationally recognized cancer teams work with you to develop a personalized care plan. At Novant Health, you’ll have access to the most current treatment options available only at leading cancer institutes. Your treatment may include clinical research trials or robotics, microsurgeries, new radiation technologies, or cellular and immune therapies. Together, we can treat your cancer, manage your symptoms, and provide you with support at all stages.
You're not alone on your cancer journey. At Novant Health, rest assured you’ll have all the resources you need to tackle your life-changing diagnosis. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach brings together experts with knowledge from different specialties to support you every step of the way. In addition to oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, your team may include nurse navigators, nutritionists, integrative medicine specialists, genetic counselors, social workers, symptom management and palliative care specialists, and more.
