The effects of childhood cancer on siblings

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it is usually devastating for the entire family. Childhood cancer creates an enormous amount of stress that can result in a variety of family problems and negative outcomes for each family member. The family typically faces role changes and financial burdens. For example, parents spend less time at home that subsequently leads to less family time together (Byrne, 1994). Although numerous prior studies have focused on describing the impact of this disease on the affected child and his or her parents (Van Dongen-Melman, De Groot, Hahlen, & Verhulst, 1995), far less research has attempted to identify the effects of childhood cancer on siblings.