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A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, bringing a wave of fear, confusion, and uncertainty. Amid the shock, one question often rises to the surface: How do I tell my children I have cancer?
Many parents worry about how their kids will react—will they feel scared, anxious, or uncertain about the future? Some may hesitate to share the news, hoping to shield their children from fear, while others want to be as open as possible. No matter the approach, finding the right words to explain cancer to kids can be one of the hardest yet most important conversations a parent will have. It's natural to worry about how they’ll react and cope with the news.
When explaining cancer to kids, they may feel scared, confused, or anxious about your health and what it means for their future. Providing honest, age-appropriate information can help them process their emotions and feel supported during this challenging time.
There’s no right or wrong way to let your children know about a cancer diagnosis (although keeping it a secret is not recommended). Everyone reacts differently to the news of a cancer diagnosis. But you know your children better than anyone, including the best way to share the news.
At Kesem, we’re guided by our mission and values to support families during these difficult moments, and our approach provides tools and resources to help navigate these conversations. Here are some tips to help you talk to your children about a cancer diagnosis.
Before talking to your children about your cancer diagnosis, take some time to process your emotions and thoughts to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Being as calm and collected as possible is crucial to help reassure your children. Consider what information you want to share and how you will phrase it.
You don’t need a polishedor prepared speech to speak about your cancer diagnosis –but it will help to have a guideline in mind for what you want to say and answers to questions they are likely to ask. For example, they may want to know what cancer is in a general sense and how it will affect their everyday life. These moments can be an important part of understanding how to tell your family you have cancer and addressing their concerns in a way they can process.
Find a quiet and safe space where your children feel comfortable and free to express their emotions. Make sure there won’t be any interruptions or distractions and you’ll have enough time to talk.
Trying to share the information all at once can make a stressful and challenging time much harder. Instead, finding the right way to tell your children and loved ones you have cancer can help ease the process for everyone. Sharing the information with children in multiple, brief conversations can make it easier to them to digest and provide space for their questions and emotions
Young children — toddlers and preschoolers — will probably be satisfied with bite-sized explanations you can update as treatment progresses, but it’s a good idea to repeat them often. Share as much information as you can openly and honestly. Offering consistent, age-appropriate simple facts can help children cope. Thankfully, there are plenty of kid-friendly books that can help guide you. Older kids may ask tougher questions that you should answer with cautious honesty.
It’s a good strategy to let children know that there may be changes to their routines, explaining who will care for them while mom or dad is unwell, or being open about being sad or angry. While you don’t want to overwhelm or panic them, it’s okay to let them know what you’re feeling. For example, you can say, “I’m feeling sad. I’m waiting to hear from the doctor.”
Even though you may feel beleaguered and uncertain, try to be positive for your kids as much as possible. For example, let them know that you’re getting excellent cancer treatment and care. Your goal is to reassure them without offering guarantees for the future.
Young children can have misconceptions about your disease. For instance, they may think that they did something that caused you to get sick. Make sure they know that no one is to blame for your cancer diagnosis. They may also think your cancer is contagious, like a cold, and worry that they can catch it. if they get too close to you.
Take time to explain as much as you can about your cancer diagnosis and how treatment helps. Finding the right way to tell someone you have cancer, especially children, can help them feel more secure and reduce unnecessary fears. You can also refer to helpful resources, like this guide on maintaining normalcy during extraordinary circumstances, to ease their concerns
The effects of cancer can be difficult for both loved ones and children to process. Part of finding the right way to tell a loved one you have cancer is helping them understand what to expect. Let them know that cancer treatment is strong so it can work hard to make you better and that it may cause you to look and feel different. Explain that you may be weak, tired, or sick sometimes, but you will still be their parent.
Your kids will likely have questions, including some you may not have considered. Recognize that their questions will probably be ongoing and may be shared at any time. Give them the opportunity to ask anything they have on their mind.
Some of the questions may be difficult to answer. When you tell someone you have cancer, including your children, you need to anticipate their reactions and questions. For example,your children might ask whether you will die. Explain that you have great doctors taking care of you. Don’t be afraid of being emotional — it may help children process feelings.
Answering honestly and appropriately can help put them at ease and remove some of the uncertainty and fear of what it means to have a parent living with cancer.
Finally, make sure to remind your children that they are now and always will be loved. Cancer won’t change that.
If you or your children need additional support, consider contacting a social worker, counselor, or therapist who works with families affected by cancer. They can help you and your children navigate the emotional and practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Talking to your children about cancer is never easy, but it’s essential. With honesty, support, and reassurance, you can help your child understand and cope with your diagnosis while strengthening your bond as a family.
Kesem provides life-changing experiences for children facing a parent’s cancer. We offer year-round services, our Camp Kesem summer camp program, our support community Club Kesem and family resources that help children cope, become resilient, and create new friendships.
Your generosity allows us to offer Camp Kesem and all other programs and year-round services free of charge, so any child dealing with a parent’s cancer can begin to heal, regardless of their economic situation.
There are so many ways to give. Donations help Kesem change lives! You can help by participating in fundraising; donating through planned giving, donor-advised funds, or stock donations; attending or sponsoring an event; or shopping at our store. With your support, we can ensure that more children impacted by a parent’s cancer can feel joy, hope, and the magic that is Kesem.
We're excited to launch a permanent collection of stories for our community to share.
