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Talking to family and kids

Information for family, Family discussions, Telling people about cancer

Having a cancer diagnosis makes us consider everything that is important to us, and the relationships within our family, and those closest to us. How you talk about your cancer in those relationships will be largely guided by connection, history, age, development, and personal choice.

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When starting these conversations, you may need to consider the nature of your relationships, the age of those closest to you and who else can support you over time. These can be difficult, emotional and challenging conversations to have. Whilst many families deal with this well on their own, sometimes you or those around you might feel overwhelmed, stuck, uncertain of how to raise the issues and respond, or may need guidance and assistance to talk through how to navigate those communications both for now, and in the future.

We've collected our favourite resources for you to read, watch, listen to, download and share to better understand and manage this concern, as well as clinical services if you would prefer to speak to someone about the emotional challenges of cancer treatment. 
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My parent has cancer

CANTEEN

We recommend this resource because...

This is a great site for teenagers, whose important adult in their life has cancer. Provides information to lessen fears and worries, ways to cope with school, how to take care of themselves.

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Talking to kids about cancer

CANCER COUNCIL

We recommend this resource because...

This information is designed as a starting point for talking to children about cancer and can be shared with grandparents, teachers, school counsellors, friends and neighbours. It is a great guide for what information is appropriate at what age group for the children in your life affected by the cancer diagnosis.

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Parenting through cancer booklet

CANTEEN

We recommend this resource because...

Parenting is tough enough without cancer. This site provides insight into common questions and issues that many parents with cancer face. Has practical tools, strategies, resources and services that can help.

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Young Carers Network

CARERS AUSTRALIA

We recommend this resource because...

A place for young carers to learn about support services, access resources and share their stories and opinions.

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Family and Friends

CANCER COUNCIL

We recommend this resource because...

This is a great site to give you more information if you are supporting someone with cancer. It lists factsheets and information for family and friends of person who has been diagnosed with cancer. Ways to help, how to care, working and caring, loss and grief.

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Caring for someone with cancer

CANCER COUNCIL

We recommend this resource because...

This website is aimed at people who know someone with cancer, and want to know how to better support them. It has a section dedicated to caring for someone with advanced cancer also. It focuses on balancing the demands of caring, work, family and looking after yourself.

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Carer Gateway

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT

We recommend this resource because...

This website is a great resource if you are a carer for someone with cancer. It has information on your entitlements in the workplace, but can also link you to other cares or local support services.

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Talking to people

MAGGIE UK

We recommend this resource because...

Although this is a UK site, it is very relevant to our Australian population. The site provides practical suggestions like writing down questions family and friends have so you can ask your health care professionals and planning ahead by preparing a list of tasks that people can help you with.

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Talking to family and friends

BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA

We recommend this resource because...

This site gives Information on telling partners (including same sex couples), children and friends about breast cancer. Although designed for people with breast cancer it is relevant for all cancer types.

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Family Dynamics and Cancer

CANCER COUNCIL

We recommend this resource because...

In this episode, Julie McCrossin talks with psychologist Cath Adams and oncology social worker Ray Araullo about creating a supportive environment and managing the impact of cancer on the family (30 minutes long).

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Explaining Cancer To Kids

CANCER COUNCIL

We recommend this resource because...

In this episode, Julie McCrossin chats with CanTeen’s John Fredsam about different ways to talk about your cancer diagnosis with kids. John explains why being open with kids can help them cope better and give tips on how to talk to kids of all ages about cancer (35 minutes long).

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Cancer Affects the Carer Too

CANCER COUNCIL

We recommend this resource because...

In this episode, Julie McCrossin and health psychologist Dr Ben Britton look at the experience of caring for someone with cancer (40 minutes long). Both Julie and Ben have been regular supporters and visitors to PAH over the years, so are familiar with the needs of cancer patients. This podcast can download these on your phone to listen anytime.

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Kids guide to Cancer

CAMP QUALITY

We recommend this resource because...

A free educational App that answers the most common questions children have about cancer.

Cancer Council Online Community

Some people find talking to other people who are going through/or been through a similar experience can help. This website lists a range of online support groups.

Social Workers

Social workers work primarily with the social and emotional aspects of cancer. Social Workers offer counselling and interventions including information and referrals (if required) to available community services that may help support navigation through the emotional, social and economic impacts of a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer Council’s Support Services

Talk to a health professional who has a background in understanding cancer and how it impacts family’s and friends and the person with cancer.

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Family roles and responsibilities
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