Childhood cancer and changes in family relationships and functioning: What are they and where does support fit in?

Abstract

Childhood cancer is considered a family disease because of its impact on the entire family system. Due to cancer treatment improvements over the years, an increasing number of children now successfully complete their cancer treatments to become cancer survivors. The purpose of this dissertation is to shed additional light on how childhood cancer affects the family system during the cancer-treatment process and into survivorship. The role that social and formal support services play within the family's cancer experience is also discussed. The intention of discussing these services is to highlight their value in helping families effectively function through the childhood cancer experience and beyond. Seventeen cancer survivors, fifteen parents of childhood cancer survivors, and fifteen siblings of childhood cancer survivors were interviewed to provide data for analysis. Results indicate that childhood cancer impacts family members in many different ways. Siblings felt they had experienced both positive and negative outcomes of the cancer. Parents expressed a variety of cancer related worries, though many also discussed their experiences of resiliency. Survivors displayed many long-term effects from the cancer and also discussed the different aspects of their transitions to young adulthood. All family members experienced changes in family relationships and also discussed their involvement with social and formal support. Results indicate the need for all family members to utilize social and formal support when dealing with the presence of childhood cancer. This support can decrease the negative outcomes and improve overall family functioning and adaptation throughout the cancer experience. Future research should focus on supports for the family as a unit, as well resources that target the needs of the specific family members.