Quest. An intervention program for children whose parent or grandparent has cancer

Area of Science:

• Psychosocial Oncology
• Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Family Systems Theory

Background:

• Parental cancer diagnoses significantly impact family dynamics and child well-being.
• Existing literature highlights a need for targeted interventions for children affected by parental or grandparental cancer.
• Emotional strains and anxiety are common within family systems experiencing a cancer diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe Quest, an intervention program designed for children and teenagers with a parent or grandparent diagnosed with cancer.
• To facilitate positive coping mechanisms related to a cancer diagnosis.
• To enhance understanding of cancer and promote open family communication regarding the diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Quest is a 2-hour, biannual evening program.
• The program targets children and adolescents whose parent or grandparent has cancer.
• It integrates educational components with opportunities for emotional expression.

Main Results:

• Child, parent, and staff evaluations of the Quest program were overwhelmingly positive.
• These evaluations indicate the significant value and effectiveness of the intervention.

Conclusions:

• The Quest program offers a time-efficient yet comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of children affected by a family member's cancer.
• Its structure effectively tackles key issues impacting children during a parent's or grandparent's cancer journey.
• Clinicians with limited time may find this program beneficial for supporting a vulnerable pediatric population.