Children of Parents with Cancer: An evaluation of a psychosocial intervention

Abstract

Over the past three decades there has been a marked increase in the prevalence of cancer among younger age groups, many of whom are parenting children. In Ireland it is estimated that 15% of people with cancer are aged between 20-50 years (National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI, 2016). Research has indicated that when a parent is diagnosed with cancer they face additional fears and anxieties as they attempt to simultaneously manage their role as parent, with their illness (Rauch & Moore, 2010, Semple & McCance, 2010a, O’Neill et al, 2016). Parents, at this time, primarily want to protect their children from worry and anxiety. However, managing this process is challenging and the illness experience affects the whole family unit. Research evidences that children, depending on age and gender, are at increased risk of psychological and social problems ranging from separation anxiety, depression, difficulties at school, leisure, family functioning and relationships (Visser et al, 2004, Osborn, 2007, Thastum et al 2009)