Psychosocial issues in pediatric oncology: what the radiologist needs to know

Pediatric cancer is rife with psychological and social issues for both patients and families. As many of these issues lie outside the traditional bounds of radiological training, many radiology department staff members may be unaware of them, and patient care may suffer as a result. On the other hand, if the radiology staff possesses some understanding of what it means to be or have a child with cancer, they may significantly enhance the family's health-care experience and enrich their own sense of professional satisfaction. This article reviews a number of the key psychosocial issues in pediatric oncology, with a view to improving the non-radiological aspects of radiology patient care.