Living and coping with cancer

Talking to kids about cancer

Trustworthy information about talking to kids for people with cancer, their families and friends

Overview

Talking to children about cancer can feel overwhelming. Your first reaction may be to keep the news of the diagnosis from them or to delay telling them. However, honest, age-appropriate conversations can help kids feel safer, supported and included.

The information here provides a starting point for having conversations about cancer. It covers how children and teenagers may respond to cancer, ways to explain treatment and side effects, tips for maintaining routines and emotional wellbeing, and answers to common questions children may ask.

A cancer diagnosis in the family can be challenging. Find helpful information below, or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.

Talking to kids about cancer booklet (PDF)

About this information

The information on this website is not medical, legal or financial advice. Always consult appropriate professionals about your specific situation. Full disclaimer.

Reviewers

This information has been developed by Cancer Council NSW on behalf of all other state and territory Cancer Councils as part of a National Cancer Information Subcommittee initiative.

We thank the reviewers of this booklet:

Joanna Fardell, Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Director, The Behavioural Sciences Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine, UNSW, NSW; Dr Diana Adams, Medical Oncologist, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre and GenesisCare Campbelltown, NSW; Emma Bowne, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Ken Colbert, Consumer; Cara Dahl, Team Leader – Online Support, Cancer Hub, and ACA Registered Counsellor, NSW; Elizabeth Egan, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Oncology, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, WA; Dr Maria Ftanou, Director, Psychosocial Oncology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Nat Fuss, Senior Clinician, Canteen, SA; Helena Hobson, Senior Social Worker, Cancer Centre, Fiona Stanley Hospital and South Metropolitan Health Service, WA; Nadine Macbeth, Social Work Team Leader, Cancer and Chronic Care, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Damian Ragusa, General Manager – Services and Programs, Camp Quality; The Team at Redkite; Alexandra Wright, Consumer.

We would also like to thank the health professionals, consumers, organisations and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title, and we are grateful to the parents and young people whose real-life stories have added to the richness and relevance of this booklet.

We also thank and acknowledge Dr Paula K Rauch, American Cancer Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, Jessica Watt and Diane McGeachy for permission to use their work as source material.

View our editorial policy.

Talking to Kids About Cancer

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What's in this booklet

Talking about cancer

Research shows being open with children helps them cope better. Learn more about the benefits of talking to kids about cancer here.

How children understand cancer

Children of different age groups may have many reactions to news of a cancer diagnosis. Find out what they are and suggested approaches you can take to reassure them.

Talking about the diagnosis

Find out how to tell your children about a cancer diagnosis and some tips for preparing for the conversation.

Talking about treatment

Discover the most effective ways to explain cancer treatment and side effects to children.

After treatment

Learn how to find a "new normal" with your family after treatment. Understand ways to look after yourself and how to talk to your children about how things have changed.

Talking about advanced cancer

Discover strategies for talking to your children about advanced cancer. Find support and learn how to ease their worries.

How children understand death

Explore how children understand death at different ages and how to support grieving children.

Finding support and information

Talking to children about cancer can be difficult and daunting, but you are not alone. Cancer Connect can offer support and link you with specialised assistance.

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