When a child is diagnosed with a blood disorder, immune condition, or cancer, parents enter one of the most emotionally challenging phases of their lives. Fear, confusion, and uncertainty often take over. In this vulnerable moment, decisions are rarely easy—and yet, they are critically important.
According to Dr. Shraddha Chandak, the biggest mistake parents make after a diagnosis is not the choice of treatment—but the lack of timely, structured decision-making.
This mistake is common, understandable, and avoidable.
The Most Common Mistake: Delaying Clear Decisions
After diagnosis, many parents:
- Wait for symptoms to improve on their own
- Seek reassurance from multiple non-specialist sources
- Get overwhelmed by conflicting opinions
- Spend weeks searching online
- Hope the diagnosis is incorrect or temporary
While these reactions are human, delay can quietly complicate treatment.
In paediatric blood disorders and cancers, time is not just about urgency—it is about starting the right treatment at the right stage.
Why Parents Delay After Diagnosis
Parents rarely delay because they don’t care. They delay because:
- The diagnosis sounds frightening
- The treatment plan feels overwhelming
- They fear long-term side effects
- They worry about hospital stays and lifestyle changes
- They are unsure whom to trust
These emotions often push families into a phase of indecision, where nothing moves forward
Another Major Mistake: Trying Too Many Opinions Without Clarity
Seeking opinions is healthy. But seeking too many opinions without structure creates confusion.
Parents may:
- Compare one child’s treatment with another’s
- Receive advice from adult specialists
- Follow online forums and social media stories
- Mix medical advice with non-medical suggestions
Instead of clarity, this often leads to anxiety and doubt.
A second opinion is useful. Endless opinions are not.
Ignoring the Importance of Specialised Paediatric Care
One serious mistake is assuming that all doctors manage children the same way.
Paediatric blood disorders and cancers are different from adult conditions because:
- Children’s immunity behaves differently
- Blood counts change with age
- Treatment tolerance varies
- Growth and development must be protected
- Long-term follow-up is essential
Delaying consultation with a paediatric haemato-oncologist can result in:
- Inappropriate treatment plans
- Avoidable side effects
- Longer treatment duration
- Missed opportunities for early intervention
Underestimating the Emotional Impact on the Child
Parents often focus entirely on medical treatment—and understandably so. However, ignoring the emotional well-being of the child can affect recovery.
Children may experience:
- Fear of hospitals
- Anxiety during repeated tests
- Withdrawal or irritability
- Loss of routine and normalcy
Structured counselling, reassurance, and clear communication help children cope better with treatment.
Assuming That Waiting Will Reduce the Severity
A common misconception is that waiting will make treatment easier later.
In reality:
- Some conditions progress silently
- Blood parameters can worsen gradually
- Infections may increase
- Treatment intensity may rise with delay
Early treatment often allows:
- Better response
- Lower complication rates
- Shorter overall treatment duration
- Improved quality of life during therapy
What Parents Should Do Instead
After a diagnosis, parents should focus on:
- Understanding the condition clearly
- Asking structured questions
- Confirming the diagnosis if needed
- Starting treatment without unnecessary delay
- Building a consistent care plan
Clear steps reduce anxiety and improve outcomes.
The Role of Communication and Trust
Treatment works best when parents:
- Trust the treating specialist
- Feel comfortable asking questions
- Understand the plan and its purpose
- Know what to expect at each stage
Strong communication reduces fear and builds confidence throughout the journey.
A Reassuring Reality Parents Should Know
Not every diagnosis means aggressive or lifelong treatment. In many cases:
- Conditions are manageable
- Treatment plans are phased
- Children respond well to therapy
- Normal life gradually resumes
Early, structured care often makes the journey smoother for both the child and family.
A Message to Parents
The period immediately after diagnosis is overwhelming—but it is also the most important time to act thoughtfully.
The biggest mistake is not fear.
The biggest mistake is standing still because of fear.
Final Thought
A diagnosis is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of a guided path—one that requires clarity, timely action, and the right expertise.
When parents move forward with understanding rather than hesitation, they give their child the strongest possible chance for recovery and well-being.