A parent has cancer: needs and responses of children

Children who have a parent with cancer experience many changes, threats, and challenges that may engender many different thoughts, feelings, and responses. Sometimes the needs and reactions of these children may go unrecognized by their overstressed family members and they may feel alone and unsupported. Pediatric nurses in primary care settings are often in key positions to identify and assist well children in dealing with the stresses of having a seriously ill parent and to assist the parents in helping their children. Primary and secondary prevention and intervention strategies may be used by the nurse in working with families prior to and during major life events such as a parent's diagnosis of and treatment for cancer.