[How to help the child and his/her family to go through the ordeal of cancer]

Abstract

Experiencing cancer is an ordeal for a child and his/her family, even if the majority of these children are cured. In order to alleviate destabilization or possible psychological sequels, the medical staff must be competent and also provide supportive care and information, so that mutual knowledge and confidence can be established. The child's and adolescent's specific landmarks must be protected (school, friends, play, fantasy, creativity, body image, sense of beauty and of identity, self confidence and trust in their parents, relation with their siblings, plans...). Parents also need assistance for possible practical, social, financial difficulties and, most of all, to maintain confidence in their parental competence. Siblings need help to understand the situation and to cope with it. Accompanying the child when the treatment is over will allow him/her to resume a normal life or to cope with possible sequels. If the child dies, accompanying the parents and the siblings through the grieving process is helpful. The psycholo-oncologist helps the child and his/her family to understand their emotions and their conscious and unconscious thoughts, and to live through this ordeal.