Psychosocial problems in families of a child with cancer

Eighty-one children with malignancies and their families were investigated for the psychosocial changes that take place during the course of the disease. Seventeen patients were in the initial phase of treatment, 24 were in first remission, 14 were long-term survivors already off therapy, 11 were in relapse, and 15 children died 1-5 years before this study. Detailed personal interviews with the parents showed profound changes in the families' life and severe problems in adapting to the new situation. Marital problems, neglecting the healthy siblings, and a loss of interest in work occurred in the majority of parents, especially in mothers. Younger siblings suffered more from the strains imposed on the family than did elder ones. Psychosocial care is felt to be helpful for all families in adjusting to the altered circumstances and emotional upheavals.