Supporting Young People and Families Through Cancer Treatment

Imagine the emotional turmoil of an adult facing a cancer diagnosis or a stem cell transplant. Now, consider the same news delivered to a young child. The psychological and emotional well-being of these children should be a primary concern. If it were my child, I would want them to have access to support to navigate their feelings of anxiety, anger, uncertainty, and guilt. Wouldn't you want the same for your child, grandchild, or family member? To have a supportive presence throughout their journey, asking, "How are you feeling?"

A cancer diagnosis can be incredibly challenging for young people. Their lives are disrupted, with schooling, friendships, and developmental milestones often lost or disturbed. Hospitals can be intimidating, filled with complex language, needles, pain, and the potential for psychological trauma. While treatments like stem cell transplants offer hope for some, the journey is arduous. The side effects, including fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss, and nausea, are difficult. Anxiety, sadness, and potential trauma from overwhelming procedures are common. Children and young people can be isolated for almost a year during a transplant, losing touch with friends, missing education, and disconnecting from the world during crucial developmental years.

The impact extends beyond the patient, affecting the entire family. Parents and carers, accustomed to caring for their children, must place their faith in a medical team while witnessing their child's suffering. They then transition to managing medication and providing emotional support. Siblings are also affected, navigating appointments and hospital visits. Consistent psychological support is essential throughout the entire stem cell transplant journey. A psychologist can represent the human element, connecting with families, asking about their feelings, and offering support to parents, carers, and siblings. The approach must be flexible to meet the diverse needs of children and young people. This could involve building Lego models with a five-year-old or reflecting on the loss of self with an eighteen-year-old. Flexibility is key. The psychologist adapts to medical appointments and utilizes various communication methods to connect with families. Providing space for both the patient and their families is crucial. Research indicates that psychological support enhances family resilience, mitigates mental health complications, and can reduce costs associated with the transplant. Families are likely facing the most challenging experience of their lives and need comprehensive psychological support, regardless of their location or circumstances.