4 Challenges Pediatric Cancer Siblings Face – and How to Support Them
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family feels the effects.
This includes the diagnosed child's siblings, who are often impacted differently than the parents. According to the National Library of Medicine, up to 63% of siblings have adjustment difficulties throughout cancer treatment. Like all family members, siblings' feelings need to be addressed, and they require different forms of support throughout the diagnosis and treatment process.
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There are many ways a childhood cancer diagnosis affects siblings. While everyone is different, research tells us siblings commonly struggle with:
1. Emotional Distress
Siblings often experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, and anger after a cancer diagnosis. Even two years after a child finishes treatment, emotional and social problems can persist for siblings.
2. Isolation
Siblings may feel lonely or isolated from their peers, often due to shifts in social activities or missing out on normative childhood playing experiences.
3. Role Changes
Siblings may also have to take on new roles within the family, which can lead to feelings of pressure and resentment.
4. Difficulty Expressing Feelings
Younger siblings, in particular, may struggle to articulate their emotions or understand their feelings.
How to Help:
Be transparent.
Be honest and age-appropriate when discussing cancer with siblings to ease fears and clear up misunderstandings.
Maintain normalcy.
Encourage siblings to stick to their routines, such as school and activities, as much as possible for stability.
Acknowledge Emotions.
Recognize and validate siblings' emotions, including anger and sadness. Offer outlets like drawing or writing, and teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
How the Austin Hatcher Foundation Supports Siblings Through Childhood Cancer:
The Austin Hatcher Foundation serves the entire family, with around 50% of our patients being the brother or sister of a diagnosed child.
Our licensed therapists and clinical staff help families through mental health therapy and programs every day.
Through our various Family Programs and clinical services, siblings form lasting connections with others who have experienced a similar journey, and also benefit from Diversionary Therapy through games, crafts, STEM activities, and more.
All of our services are offered at no cost to families from diagnosis through survivorship, so when siblings face continued emotional challenges related to their siblings' cancer journey, we are here to provide support every step of the way.
Download Our Guide to Supporting Siblings through Cancer
