Hospital Program Helps Kids Understand Cancer

An Atlantic Canada children’s hospital is helping young patients better grasp their cancer diagnoses. The program lets kids explore their cells, aiming to ease uncertainty and provide comfort during a difficult time.

Cellfie Project Unveiled

The IWK hospital, the largest children’s hospital in Atlantic Canada, initiated the Cellfie Project. This initiative gives young patients with leukemia the opportunity to examine their blood and bone marrow cells under a microscope. Dr. Valérie Bourque-Riel, a Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist at IWK Health, explains the procedure.

“I explain to them, ‘Would you like to see your cancer cells, would you like to see your healthy cells? Would you like to learn more about what’s happening to you?’”

—Dr. Valérie Bourque-Riel, IWK Health Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist

The project provides a hands-on learning experience. Children become honorary pathologists, receiving lab coats and USB drives filled with images of their cells. This helps them explain their condition to others.

More Than Just Science

Children also receive a new stuffed animal. Many of these buddies are handmade by healthcare staff. The program has expanded since its 2022 launch to support more patients. According to the American Cancer Society, childhood cancer rates have been rising slightly over the past few decades, with about 10,470 new cases expected in 2024 (American Cancer Society).

Impact and Future

“It’s a life-changing experience, and by life-changing I would say that some children are using the “Cellfie Stick” at school to explain to their schoolmates what is happening to them and show them why they have a central line, why they’re so pale, and losing their hair,” said Dr. Bourque-Riel.

The program launched to reduce the uncertainty linked to a cancer diagnosis. It aims to offer comfort. The Cellfie Project helps children better understand their diagnosis.