Self-perception about competence, behavior, and self-worth were examined in 30 children (aged 8-14 yrs) recently diagnosed as having cancer and were compared with that of their parents' perception. A translated version of Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Children (1982) was used. The poor agreement between parents' and children's ratings on physical appearance and social acceptance is noteworthy in that these two domains are particularly vulnerable in children with cancer, given the effects of chemotherapy on physical appearance aid children's tendency to view themselves as socially undesirable or a burden to others. This finding, if replicated, can have implications for therapeutic intervention since the discrepancy score could be used to challenge children's negative views in the context of cognitive therapy to improve their self-esteem.