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Information and communication when a parent has advanced cancer
Vida L Kennedy1, Mari Lloyd-Williams
1Academic Palliative and Supportive Care Studies Group, School of Population, Community and Behaviour, Whelan Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB, United Kingdom.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|August 8, 2008
Summary
Children need honest information about a parent's cancer and treatment. Improving communication, both within families and with professionals, can better support children coping with parental cancer.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Child Psychology
- Family Communication
Background:
- Parental cancer diagnosis significantly impacts children's emotional well-being.
- Communication and information access are key factors influencing children's distress levels.
- Limited research exists on children's specific information needs and communication preferences during parental advanced cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore children's information needs when a parent has advanced cancer.
- To identify preferred sources and methods for receiving information.
- To uncover unmet needs and barriers to accessing knowledge for children.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews conducted with families (parents with advanced cancer, well parents, and children aged 7+).
- Interviews were audio-recorded, fully transcribed, and analyzed using constructionist grounded theory.
- A total of 28 family participants were interviewed.
Main Results:
- Children desire truthful information about parental health and treatment.
- Girls specifically sought information on health implications for themselves and future tests.
- Children preferred diverse information sources (parents, professionals, media) and confidential support.
- Barriers included fear of upsetting parents, limited professional access, and age-inappropriate information.
Conclusions:
- Enhancing intrafamilial and external communication is crucial for children of parents with advanced cancer.
- Improved communication can bolster support systems for children.
- Better communication strategies can positively influence children's coping mechanisms and overall adjustment.
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