Talking with Kids About Cancer

 

In the U.S., one adult of every four who is diagnosed with cancer has a child under the age of 18, according to estimates from the National Cancer Institute. While talking about a cancer diagnosis can be tough, striking a balance between open communication and easing a child’s worries and fears can be especially challenging.

 

Wilmot Cancer Institute Social Worker Mike Ellis, LMSW, offers insight and advice on sharing the news of a cancer diagnosis with kids.

 

Health Matters: There are many stressors when a person finds out they have cancer, and perhaps one of the most stressful situations is figuring out how to share the news of a diagnosis with your family — particularly children. What is your advice on what and when to tell your children?

 

Ellis: It is important to keep children in the loop throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, and to use terms you hear at visits with your doctor so that children are not misinformed.

Health Matters: Fear is a common reaction to learning of a cancer diagnosis, and children may have many questions. Therapists say one of the first questions pre-teens ask is, “Are you going to die?”  How do you answer these difficult questions?

 

Ellis: Children react to the news of a cancer diagnosis in many ways. While you cannot promise or guarantee a specific outcome, you can promise that you are in the care of an excellent team and that you are taking very strong medications for the disease. Let them know that you will continue to keep them involved in your care.

 

Health Matters: There are many side effects of cancer treatments, such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue. Sometimes patients have to be hospitalized for their care. What can parents do to help children deal with these changes?

 

Ellis: Tell children about the potential side effects of treatment so that they know what to expect, and encourage them to get involved. If a parent has a prolonged hospital stay, allow the children to help decorate the hospital room. Set up routine “virtual visits” through Skype or FaceTime. If you experience hair loss, consider having a hat or a head-shaving party to help children confront their fears of mommy or daddy being bald. Children can help with chores around the house or cooking dinner. But, not all children will want to be involved — and that’s okay, too. Allow them time to process information and ask questions at their own pace.

 

Health Matters: Where can families find resources to help them through this process?

 

Ellis:  There are many resources to help families as they are dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Wilmot Cancer Institute offers social work services, support groups, and a health encyclopedia, among other programs and tools to help families cope. Our community also offers many resources, such as programs at Camp Good Days, support programs at Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club Rochester, or resources from the American Cancer Society.  

 

Talking to your children about a cancer diagnosis is not easy, but the good news is that children are very resilient. Open communication helps to ease their fears and concerns, and can be very helpful throughout this difficult time of transition.