News You Can Use A monthly newsletter from the Cancer Learning Center January 2010 – Issue 54
Helping Kids Cope When a Parent Has Cancer
Parents who have cancer face the added burden of choosing what and how to tell their children about cancer. Books, websites, social workers, support groups, and others can provide tips, but parents know their children best and can find the best way to share information about their illness or that of another loved one such as a grandparent.
If you need to discuss cancer with your child, here are some suggestions that can help:
Reassure your child. Help your children understand their needs are important and will always be taken care of. You can explain how different people may be meeting those needs in a different way than usual. Children may have unfounded ideas about cancer. Make sure they understand they cannot catch cancer like they can catch a cold. Tey also need to know the cancer is not their fault or a result of anything they have done.
Inform your child. Provide accurate information that is appropriate for each child’s age. Children need to know how the cancer may affect their lives in the short and long term. Te Cancer Learning Center has books and handouts to help you talk to your child about cancer, as well as picture books that can help you discuss cancer with younger children.
Empower your child. Help your children express their feelings and deal with the
Te Cancer Learning Center
(CLC) is a free resource library on the first floor of
Huntsman Cancer Institute 801-581-6365 1-888-424-2100
www.huntsmancancer.org/clc
Parents who have cancer face the added burden of choosing what and how to tell their children.
disease in their own way. Give them chances to ask questions about the disease or how you are feeling. Allow children to help you through your treatment with age-appropriate tasks such as asking younger children to bring water or a blanket. Older children can help with household chores when you are tired.
For more help discussing cancer with children and other family members, visit the Cancer Learning Center or call 1-888-424-2100.
RESOURCES IN THE CANCER LEARNING CENTER
Books
100 Questions and Answers about Lymphedema
Coping with Cancer: A Patient Pocket Book of Toughts, Advice, and Inspiration for the Ill
Te Essential Guide to Brain Tumors
Video Kidney Cancer: A New Approach
Beauty in the Building
The painting “Adjacent 11” by David Dornan is in the hallway near Clinic E. It was donated by Diane and John Lees. Nearly all art in Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) buildings was donated for patients to enjoy. For more information about donating fine art to HCI, please contact Roni Whittle at 801-587-9315.
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