If parents have cancer, the children will suffer

Parents should educate children about cancer diagnosis

05/16/2012

The diagnosis of cancer is not only the fear of one's own death, but also the question of coping with everyday life. Concern for the children is often an additional burden on the affected parents. "How should I tell my child?" Doctors are often asked by mothers and fathers. However, these can usually not provide psychosocial care. The project "Seelentröster" at the University Hospital of Magdeburg successfully tackles this problem.

Children, unlike adults, respond to a parent's cancer diagnosis
According to the latest information from the Stasi / Saxony-Anhalt State Office alone, more than 52,600 people in the state (about 29,800 men and 22,800 women) received cancer treatment in a hospital in 2010 alone. 7,839 citizens (27 percent of all deaths) died in the following year due to malignant neoplasms. Compared to 2009, there were 248 more cases of cancer in Saxony-Anhalt in 2010.

After cardiovascular disease, malignant tumors are the second leading cause of death. Parents are particularly bad at diagnosing them because, in addition to fear for their own lives, they are bothered by the question of how to tell their children about it. "There is a great deal of uncertainty in almost all affected families," reports Hans-Henning Flechtner from the University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Magdeburg. To support families in this difficult situation, the project "Soul Comforter" was launched. Two psychological staff at the university hospital take care of affected parents and their children, especially where adults reach their limits.

"How do I react when my three-year-old asks why mum's hair fails?" The psychiatry professor cites as an example of the problem in dealing with the cancer every day. "Or my child completely closes himself in adolescence and gives the impression that he does not care about the situation." Such reactions as well as school problems are normal in such a situation, explains Flechtner. Adolescents would find the disease and its effects very threatening and therefore often fend off the whole topic. As a rule, they would be more open to individual discussions. Parents, on the other hand, often try to keep everything that has to do with the illness from the children. However, everything has to be talked about to handle the situation.

Doctors can not afford psychosocial care for the families
"The attending physician can not afford this care of the families," explains Flechtner. That's why projects like "Soul Comforters" are actually needed at all oncology centers. The expert reports that those affected from other federal states would also seek help from the University Hospital Magdeburg for this special project.

An important topic in the office hours is also the possible or imminent death of the parent. Families must often be told to allow their grief. In children, this often comes from sleep disorders and performance limitations. "They need counseling, but usually no therapy," explains Flechtner.

"Projects such as Seelentröster provide support to affected families in a field that is not provided for in other forms of cancer therapy. Although some oncology centers offer psychosocial care options for those affected and their relatives, child-friendly care is usually not available, "explains Gritli Betram, a social worker from Hanover.

The project "Soul Comforter" was launched as part of a research project by five universities for three years. During consultations, the need for counseling and care for children with cancer-related parents should be determined. In addition, the effectiveness of office hours should be checked. Families participating in the project are taught by various cooperation institutions. In addition to oncology centers, these include self-help groups, rehab clinics and the Saxony-Anhalt Cancer Society. Although the research project expires in the summer, "Soul Comforter" is to be continued. "We will definitely continue the consultation," emphasizes Flechtner. (Ag)

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