This week, the British Medical Journal published the results of an observational study that suggests parents are unaware of the impact a cancer diagnosis has on their children. According to the very small survey involving 37 mothers who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and the interviews with their children, the researchers recommend parents need support in thinking about how they will talk to their children. I am going to quote a statement in the report that reads, "Parents sometimes misunderstood their children's reactions and underestimated the emotional impact or did not recognize the children's need for more preparation and age appropriate information about the illness and its treatment." I did not speak to these 37 women, but this study in general reveals the need to stand back and question the results of any study before accepting its validity.

I am a cancer survivor, and I know more than a few cancer survivors. Every parent I know was extremely concerned about the devastating impact cancer would have for their children, and spent a good amount of time thinking about how to talk to their children. All the parents I know went to great lengths to do so in a way that would bring reassurance and comfort for their children. It is such an important topic for parents, I posted how do you tell your children you have cancer? back in March, sharing Family Doctor suggestions for parents in helping their children cope with a parent diagnosed with cancer. While parents may want to protect their children from worries and fear, I do not know one that isn't acutely aware and concerned for their children. Parents who sought out the resources needed to help them best discuss cancer with their kids. I am taken aback by the suggestion in the study published in the British Medical Journal that states parents are sometimes unaware of the emotional and psychological needs of their children.