Page 26 - LIVESTRONG Digital Guidebook
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Telling Others
There will be decisions to make about telling others about your cancer diagnosis. This is a personal
choice. There is no one right time or way to do it. Some individuals may openly share their experience
with other people. Others might decide not to share any information—at least not right away.
“Going through cancer was a good learning process. I’ve always —BLANCHE T.
taken life for granted. It made me realize how many people actually
love me and how many people care about me.”
TALKING WITH LOVED ONES Talking With Children and Teens About Cancer
Talking with loved ones about cancer might be chal- There are important things to consider when talking
lenging. They are likely to have their own concerns to children and teens about cancer. Much depends
and emotional reactions. It may be difficult for them on the age and personality of the child. Both children
to hear what you have to say. They may also need and teens need time to deal with their feelings.
time to adjust to the shock of the diagnosis. Younger children need shorter talks with clear
and simple facts. They need you to talk about the
After sharing your diagnosis, it may be helpful present. Older children and teens generally want
to allow time for others to talk by listening without specific information. Teens may want to talk about
interrupting. Then ask them to do the same for you. both the present and the future.
Discuss the best ways to support one another during
the cancer journey. Generally, all children affected by cancer need
to be able to talk openly. They need to feel free to
Telling others about your cancer diagnosis may ask any questions. Sometimes children can be very
be especially important when: direct. They might ask about the possibility of dying.
They want to know how this will affect them and
• Your diagnosis affects another person’s life. who will take care of them if this happens.
• You are acting differently.
• You want to explain things that have changed Tell your child that he or she can ask you to talk
since your diagnosis. any time. Find out what the child is thinking and feel-
• You want to share your emotional experience. ing. Help the child or teen to communicate their
• You need help with day-to-day matters. needs, fears and concerns in a way that is appropri-
• You need financial assistance. ate for his or her age. Let the child know that it is also
okay to ask you how you are feeling at any time.
Decide how to tell others:
A child needs to know that he or she:
Decide if, when and what you will tell others • Is not responsible for the illness or the healing
about your cancer diagnosis. • Cannot catch cancer from another person
• Cannot give someone else cancer
If you are not sure what to say to someone, ask • May sometimes feel angry, sad or scared, and
a loved one, friend or social worker for help. that is okay
• Will always be cared for, no matter what
In certain cases, you may want to ask someone • Is loved and always will be
else to tell others for you. • Can continue to live a normal life
26 L I V E S T R O N G G U I D E B O O K www.LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp