(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- New research shows parents who are diagnosed
with cancer need support to figure out how to talk to their children about
it.
The study, from the University of Oxford in England, evaluated at how
children are affected by breast cancer in their family. To do this,
researchers interviewed 37 mothers with early breast cancer and 31 of their
children who were between 6 and 18 years old.
Results show children were much more aware of cancer as a life-threatening
illness than their parents realized, even before their mothers were
diagnosed. They were familiar with it through information from sources such
as soap operas, health campaigns, celebrities and relatives or friends'
parents who had cancer.
Researchers found parents are often unaware how much their children know and
sometimes underestimate the emotional impact on them. Also, parents may not
realize their kids' needs for more information about the illness and its
treatment.
They say the impact of the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness may be
all the parents can handle, and they need help to find out how to talk to
their children. They recommend doctors, hospital specialists, and nurses who
are familiar with the issue to support them and perhaps even be involved in
discussions with the children.
SOURCE: British Medical Journal, published online April 13, 2006
