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A difficult conversation: Talking to children about breast cancer

2018-05-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – At some point, many adults will have to face a difficult conversation with a young child (aged 5-8) who is important to them, whether it is about bullying or trouble in school. But most adults never imagine needing to explain something quite as serious as breast cancer unless they are faced with a diagnosis in the family.

This year, thousands of families will be challenged with sharing the news of a breast cancer diagnosis with children.[1] An already trying topic can become that much more difficult when complicated questions or unexpected reactions arise. For those about to undertake such a discussion, it helps to prepare, to be open and honest, and to feel confident in having this conversation.

Of course, talking about cancer isn’t a “one and done” situation — discussions may take time and be ongoing — but opening the dialogue and acknowledging a child’s concerns are important first steps.[2]

A first-of-its-kind mobile app in the U.S. is now available to support families facing these difficult conversations. The Celgene Magic Tree mobile app, developed with input from patient advocacy groups and doctors, is an interactive tool designed to help families and their children (ages 5 to 8) have meaningful and open discussions about a breast cancer diagnosis.

The app features age-appropriate animated videos that address common questions young children may have about cancer, such as:

  • What is cancer?
  • Can I catch cancer?
  • Is it my fault?
  • How do you treat breast cancer?

Each video is paired with an interactive one- or two-player game to help keep children engaged. A child-friendly glossary of common terms, as well as a discussion guide for parents, help to navigate this difficult conversation.

When talking to young children about cancer, here are some tips you may want to keep in mind in initiating conversations:

1. Start with the basics

Without proper context, a child may be overwhelmed when they hear the word “cancer.” Asking what they already know or believe about cancer can break the ice. Once you’ve established your starting point, you can help fill in the gaps or address misconceptions.

2. Be honest about what you know

Cancer is complicated; even science still can’t fully explain how and why cancer occurs, and you aren’t expected to either. If you don’t know the answer to a question, assure children you will do some research and let them know what you learn.

3. Explain that breast cancer is not something they can “catch”

Some children may think that a healthy person can “catch cancer,” like a cold or the flu. Letting children know that cancer is not contagious can help ease concerns. Specifically naming what kind of cancer you or your loved one is dealing with can provide additional context.

4. Explain possible changes

There are different options for breast cancer treatment and each approach may be accompanied by changes in behavior or appearance.[3],[4] While it may not be necessary to go into detail on how a treatment works, it may help to provide an understanding of some basic side effects, such as hair loss and weight loss, to help reduce confusion if changes occur.[4]

5. Remind them that it isn’t their fault

Children may feel partially responsible when a family member has breast cancer. Reassurance that it isn’t their fault can help ease anxieties.

To offer further support about talking to children about cancer, as well as about breast cancer overall, the Magic Tree app provides a list of resources including links to several breast cancer organizations.

The Magic Tree app is available for download in the U.S. on both Apple and Android devices.



[1]American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2018. Available at https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2018/cancer-facts-and-figures-2018.pdf. Accessed March 2018.

[2]Care.com. Difficult Conversations with Kids. Available at https://www.care.com/c/stories/3447/difficult-conversations-with-kids/. Accessed March 2018.

[3]American Cancer Society. Treating Breast Cancer. Available at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment.html. Accessed March 2018.

[4]American Cancer Society. Chemotherapy Side Effects. Available at https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-side-effects.html. Accessed March 2018.


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