Hematology-Oncology

When The Parent Has Cancer
There is nothing that can prepare you for the words, "You have cancer." You may feel afraid and overwhelmed. This is a stressful time for you and your entire family. Having to tell your child that you have cancer is one of the most difficult tasks you might face.

Remember there is no one right way to talk to your child. As a parent you know him/her best. You will find the right words and the right time.

Here are some tips for talking to your child about your diagnosis.

Tell the truth
You may want to protect your child from worry but children are aware of extra stress in the family. It is best if your child can be told what type of cancer you have, and the first step in the treatment plan. This way they will not overhear the news and think, "Things are so bad that mom or dad doesn’t want to tell us." Being truthful also helps to build trust.

Get support
When you are ready to talk about your cancer with your child, do not feel like you need to tell them by yourself. Ask your spouse, partner, or friend to be with you for support.

Find the right time
Find a quiet time when you will not be interrupted. Turn off the TV. Don't answer the phone.

Give age- appropriate information
Give information based on your child's age and maturity. Younger children need simple explanations. Older children may want more details.

Questions
Guide what you say by what questions your child asks. When kids ask questions, they often don’t want lots of information. Make sure you are answering the question they are asking.

Encourage your children to ask questions. Know that some kids might need you to start the conversation. For example, you might say, “I wonder what you think about…” or “Sometimes kids worry about…”

If you are asked a question that you are not prepared to answer, you can always respond, "That's a really good question and I'm going to ask my (doctor, nurse, social worker) and let you know."

What's New
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Consumer and selected health professional journals

Support & Education Programs
We know that being diagnosed with cancer can be stressful for you and your family. We offer a variety of services to help patients and families gain the support and information they will need to meet the challenges ahead.

"Take Good Care Packs" is a program for parents living with cancer and their children. It gives parents tools and resources to talk with their children about what cancer is and how they can cope as a family together.

Look for the upcoming workshop on "Parenting With Cancer" and other support, wellness, and educational programs offered in the HOPES calendar.