Children

It is very difficult and often very painful to talk to your children about cancer. But even very young children sense when something serious is going on. Even though you may want to protect your children, it's usually better if you share honestly what's happening. Otherwise they will probably try to keep their own fears-which may be worse than reality-inside. They can easily feel isolated when they are not able to tell you how sad and upset they are.

Children sometimes feel at fault for their parent's illness, so if you can discuss your cancer with them, it can be a great help to them to reassure them this is not so.

Depending on their ages, it may be helpful to tell your children when you, your spouse, partner, close friends or relatives can be together so that they will have other caring adults to support them and help them share their feelings.