Main description:

Experiencing a parent or guardian with cancer is extremely difficult for children and adolescents with healthcare professionals and cancer support centres often lacking the specialised knowledge needed to also support these individuals. This practical guide provides a comprehensive and current understanding of the impact of parental cancer on children, young people and families. It offers a longitudinal account of the impact of cancer through the different stages of the illness and explores the impact of culture and international contexts on how families experience parental cancer. The book also crucially focuses on how to support children, young people and families by examining existing interventions. Important chapters on death and bereavement, and on self-care for practitioners also supplement the book. A valuable handbook for healthcare practitioners from a range of specialities working with patients and families affected by cancer, including clinical psychology, counselling, nursing, oncology, palliative care and social work.

Contents:

Introduction; 1. Impact of parental cancer; 2. Illness stages; 3. Parenting culture and family dynamics; 4. The international and cultural context of cancer; 5. Supporting children and young people through parental cancer; 6. Evidence- based cancer interventions; 7. Terminal cancer and bereavement; 8. Self-care for practitioners.