Once the child's disease has been diagnosed and the extent or stage is known, a treatment team comes together to decide who will do what and when. The theory of modern cancer treatment and management is basic:

	The surgeon removes the tumour, if possible (applies only to solid tumours, not leukemia)
	Radiation to clean up remaining cancer cells in the area of the tumour
	Chemotherapy to kill off invisible clumps of cells that have migrated elsewhere

The goal of cancer treatment is to remove or destroy the abnormal cells. Initial treatment may be intense but will often lessen with time. Sometimes treatment continues for years.

The type of treatment depends on the type of tumour, its location, stage and other factors such as the child's age and general state of health.

Treating cancer in children and teens is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Physicians, nurses, therapists (occupational, physical and respiratory), technicians, dietitians, pharmacists, child life workers, social workers, psychologists, teachers, volunteers and personal counsellors work to maximize a young patient's physical and emotional well-being to facilitate healing at all levels.