Kids with cancer may experience a range of emotions that can be complex and overwhelming. Understandably, kids don’t always know how to process these intense feelings – especially when paired with the physical realities of having cancer. Caregivers, parents, and other family members play a vital role in helping them cope in healthy ways.

Here’s how caregivers can help!

7 Emotions Kids with Cancer Deal With – and How to Help

Fear and Anxiety

Naturally, fear and anxiety are first to crop up. Kids may worry about what will happen to them, if procedures will hurt, and if treatment works. Anxiety isn’t always rational, and kids can have a particularly tough time dealing with it.

Caregiver Support: First and foremost, provide reassurance and comfort. Offer clear and age-appropriate information about the treatment process. Encourage the child to express their fears and address them openly – holding them in can make these feelings worse.

Sadness and Grief

Grief is very real in any situation that involves cancer. These kids have lost a lot: what they thought their life would be right now, the physicality and energy they had, a regular school experience, interactions with friends, and more. Coming to terms with this sudden change is tough for anyone. 

Caregiver Support: Acknowledge and validate the child's feelings of sadness or grief. Encourage them to talk about their emotions and memories. Offer support through activities that bring joy and connection! And, as much as you can, create a sense of normalcy and routine that helps capture some of the things they miss most.

Anger and Frustration

Why me? It’s a common question and feeling that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Your child may feel angry and frustrated with no real target. There’s no real place to put that anger, and they – along with others – may suffer in the crossfire of these emotions.

Caregiver Support: Recognize that anger is a natural reaction to the challenges they’re facing. Allow your child to express their anger and frustration in a healthy way, such as through art, physical activity, or verbal communication. Teach coping strategies for managing anger. It will take some trial and error to find the right strategies for your child!

Confusion

The younger the child, the more confusing cancer may be. They might not totally grasp what’s happening in their body or why certain procedures are necessary. Confusion can lead to other, more intense emotions like anxiety and anger.

Caregiver Support: Provide clear and simple explanations about the diagnosis and treatment plan. Answer questions honestly and encourage ongoing communication. Utilize visual aids or age-appropriate resources to help explain complex concepts. Ask specific questions to make sure they feel confident in their understanding.

Isolation and Loneliness

Cancer might mean distance from others, physically and emotionally. Kids with cancer may feel no one understands or relates to what they’re going through.

Caregiver Support: Facilitate connections with peers, friends, and support groups. Organize playdates or virtual interactions to combat feelings of isolation. Encourage communication with others (especially in the same demographics) going through similar situations.

Body Image Concerns

Cancer treatment often involves physical changes – weight and hair loss, weight gain, etc. Kids may feel discouraged or insecure about these changes, which can weigh heavy on their minds and hearts.

Caregiver Support: Acknowledge any changes in the child's appearance due to treatment. Reinforce positive self-image and emphasize the importance of inner qualities. Seek solutions that make them feel more confident and comfortable. 

Hopelessness

Sometimes it may seem like things will never change. Kids may feel as though they will always be battling cancer...or they’ll die trying. Resignation and hopelessness creep in. 

Caregiver Support: Foster a sense of hope by focusing on positive aspects of the child's journey. Highlight success stories and achievements of others who have faced similar challenges. Reinforce the importance of medical advancements and ongoing support. Be encouraging of every step in the right direction. 

When parents and caregivers maintain open lines of communication, listen actively, and adapt their approach based on the child's individual needs they’ll have better success with these emotional challenges.

Additionally, involving the child in decisions related to their care and supplying consistent emotional support can contribute significantly to their well-being. If needed, seeking the guidance of mental health professionals who specialize in pediatric oncology can be beneficial for both the child and the caregivers.