Impact of Parental Cancer on Children

Abstract

Background/aim: The majority of cancers affect the elderly, but 22.4% of all cases occur in the ages of 21-55. This age range represents common childbearing and child-rearing years, which imply that many of these patients have minor children. Approximately 2.85 million children under 18 live with a parent affected by cancer.

Materials and methods: The Pubmed and Google Scholar were searched to identify literature on impact of parental cancer on children and potential interventions to support parents and children.

Results: We reviewed impact of parental cancer on daily routine, role changes, emotional problems and social functioning of children. We also discuss interventions that may be useful for parents and children.

Conclusion: It is essential that we learn more about the impact of parental cancer on children and ways to support the families using evidence-based interventions.

Keywords: Cancer; children; psychology; review.