Talking to children about cancer:
Diagnosis and treatments
Children are incredibly perceptive. They often sense when something is wrong—even before words are spoken. When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, silence can feel scarier to a child than the truth. Talking openly, honestly, and with love helps children feel safe, valued, and included.
A Way of Explaining Cancer to Kids
Our bodies are made up of lots of tiny building blocks called cells. These cells are usually really clever – they know when to grow, when to stop, and how to keep our bodies working properly.
Sometimes, though, some of those cells stop following the usual rules. They start growing too much or in the wrong way. That’s what we call cancer.
It’s Important to Know
- Cancer is not contagious. You cannot catch it like you catch a cold or flu. Hugging, kissing, or being close to me is always safe.
- It’s nobody’s fault. Sometimes cancer just happens, and doctors don’t always know why.
- Doctors and nurses are helping. They have special medicines and treatments to try and shrink or stop the cancer cells so the healthy cells can do their job.
And remember, you can always ask me any questions. Even if I don’t know the answer, we can talk about it together.
Explaining Cancer Treatments:
Surgery
Sometimes doctors can take the cancer out by doing an operation. The goal is to take away as much of the cancer as possible.
Chemotherapy
This is strong medicine that travels through the whole body, like little helpers, and tries to find and stop the cancer cells from growing. Chemo can sometimes make people lose their hair or feel tired or sick for a while, but it’s not forever.
Radiation Therapy
A machine that uses invisible beams of energy, kind of like a superhero laser, but very carefully aimed just at the cancer. These beams try to damage the cancer cells so they stop growing.
When words are hard to find, this book helps families talk, heal, and connect.