All genders

An abnormally fast heart rhythm (tachycardia) can arise from the upper or lower chambers of the heart. Tachycardias that involve the upper chambers are called supraventricular tachycardias (SVT). Supraventricular tachycardias are usually not dangerous.

It's important to work closely with school staff to create a safe environment for your child with diabetes. A diabetes healthcare provider will generally work with your child or teen, your family and teachers.

An external catheter is a thin, flexible, partially implanted silicone tube that extends outside the body. Inside the body, the catheter lies under the skin of the chest. It goes into a central vein near a small incision by the neck.

A central venous catheter is a device that allows health professionals to give medicines, fluids and blood products into a large central vein that leads directly into your child's heart.

You and your child will benefit from being well prepared. Ask as many questions as you need to get a clear understanding of what is going to happen and why.

 If your child has cancer they may need some tests to find out how well their organs are working.

A biopsy is a test where a doctor takes a piece of tissue out of the body to check for cancer cells.

X-rays and scans take pictures of various parts of the body. Bones show up most clearly but you can also see other tissues.

A lumbar puncture is a procedure to collect and look at the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. 

A bone marrow aspirate is a test to see if blood cells in your child's bone marrow are healthy. The test will also show whether cancer cells have spread to the bone marrow from another part of the body.

Your child's healthcare team will order regular blood tests to check for a low blood count and to know when it is safe to give the next dose of chemotherapy.

Your child will need to have some tests if your doctor thinks they may have cancer.

If your child has had a recent cancer diagnosis, you'll probably want answers to some general questions - about how cancer develops, treatment and what terms like 'remission' and 'relapse' mean.

Child cancer care is coordinated across New Zealand so that all tamariki (children) get the best available treatment wherever they live.

Many whānau (families) in Aotearoa are affected by family violence. Help is available. If you or your tamariki are affected by family violence, call the Are You OK helpline on 0800 456 450, or Shine's national helpline on 0508 74 46 33.

Find out who to contact if you are worried about the safety of a child or suspect abuse.