By ĐỖ TUYẾT MAI, M.D, Ph.D. Psycho-Oncologist, Mental Health Researcher, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.
In the heart of our community, there are brave children fighting against cancer. Their journey is filled with challenges, but they don’t have to face it alone. At the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, we are thrilled to introduce our first integrated psychological care program specifically designed for paediatric cancer patients and their families. This initiative is more than just a project; it’s a heartfelt commitment to provide support, compassion, and hope to those who need it most.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every child living with cancer—and their families—receive not just medical care, but also the emotional support they deserve. Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where families can thrive together, even in the face of adversity.
Our Journey Together
To bring this vision to life, we have taken meaningful steps to create a supportive community.
A Safe Haven
We’ve set up a warm and inviting counselling room in the Paediatric Department. This space is more than just a room; it’s a safe haven where children can express their feelings, and families can share their experiences and worries. Here, laughter, tears, and stories come together, creating a sense of belonging.
Counselling Room at Paediatric Department
Understanding Needs
Using the Paediatric Assessment Tool (PAT), we screen families for psychosocial risks. This proactive approach helps us identify those who may need extra support, ensuring that help is available right when it’s needed.
Online Psychosocial Risk Screening for Caregivers and Results among 100 families in 2025
Building Connections
We believe in the power of community. That’s why we organize regular gatherings for families, where they can connect, share, and learn from one another. These events foster friendships and create a network of support, reminding everyone that they are not alone on this journey.
Monthly Communication Program for Caregivers
Celebrating Our Successes
We are proud of the milestones we’ve achieved together. The support and encouragement from our hospital leaders have been incredible, fuelling our passion and commitment. Our dedicated colleagues have shown immense enthusiasm and trust, creating a collaborative spirit that uplifts everyone involved.
Facing Challenges Together
Of course, every journey has its challenges. We are currently navigating the hurdles of limited staff and funding, which can make it difficult to reach every family. But together, we are determined to overcome these obstacles.
Adapting for the Future
To ensure we continue to provide the best support possible, we are implementing innovative strategies:
- Digital Screening: We are working on digitalizing the PAT, making it easier and quicker for families to access the screening process.
- Integrated Care: Our goal is to weave psychological support into the fabric of routine cancer care, ensuring that every child receives comprehensive support as part of their treatment.
What’s Next?
As we look to the future, we are excited about the next steps in our journey:
- Free Counselling Services: We will continue offering free psychological counselling services for children and their families, ensuring that support is always available.
- Sharing Our Story: We aim to publish our experiences in a scientific article and share our journey in the e-hospice magazine, spreading awareness and knowledge within the community.
- Growing Together: We are actively seeking partnerships and funding opportunities to expand our psychosocial support services, ensuring that we can reach more families in need.
A 10-year-old Cancer Patient with Art Therapy in Counselling Room
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to be part of this important journey. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children and their families. By fostering a supportive community, we can ensure that no one has to face the challenges of cancer alone. Let’s stand together, share our stories, and build a network of hope and resilience.
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