Mothers' explanations of communicating past health and future risks to survivors of childhood cancer.
Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry
; 13(1): 157-70, 2008 Jan.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18411872
ABSTRACT
Mothers of survivors of Retinoblastoma (Rb) experience unique challenges communicating with their child about the condition. Children are mostly diagnosed within their first year but the consequences continue into young adult life. Here 39 mothers of Rb survivors (23 males, mean age = 10.26 years) were interviewed about their experiences. Mothers were asked about communication with their children about Rb, and future health risks. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Mothers reported that they had informed children about past diagnosis and treatment but had spoken less about genetic risk or risk of secondary cancer. The child's age and information-seeking behaviour were associated with mothers' disclosure, along with mothers' perceptions that information would facilitate child coping. Findings suggest that mothers may need more guidance during follow-up care in communicating about the disease and its consequences for future health. Medical staff should also take extra care to ensure that mothers are aware of genetic counselling services and how to access them before the child is discharged from specialist care.
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Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Retinoblastoma
/
Sick Role
/
Survivors
/
Communication
/
Retinal Neoplasms
/
Mothers
Type of study:
Etiology_studies
/
Guideline
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Year:
2008
Type:
Article