Cancer and education: how to help children understand the effects of cancer

Cancer and education: How to help children understand the effects of cancer when there are cancer patients in the family, this news not only places a heavy psychological burden on adults, but also has a profound impact on children. Children may be confused and frightened by a lack of knowledge about cancer, and they may not know how to deal with them, and may even mistakenly believe that cancer is some form of punishment or what they have done wrong. Helping children understand the impact of cancer and how to cope with it is therefore a task that family members cannot ignore when facing cancer.First, parents should explain what cancer is to children in simple and understandable language. Cancer can be compared to the growth of a “bad cell”, which grows irregularly in the body, affecting the normal functioning of the body. At the same time, it should be made clear to children that cancer is not caused by emotional or personal behaviour, but is a disease and has nothing to do with “good or bad” individuals. Parents can use children ‘ s books, animations or interactive games to assist in interpretation, making it easier for children to understand.Second, parents need to explain to children the treatment of cancer. The treatment of cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy and treatment, and parents should explain the role of these treatments in a manner appropriate to the child ‘ s understanding. For example, chemotherapy can be compared to “body removal”, helping to remove bad cells from the body. At the same time, parents should inform the child that treatment may have some side effects, such as fatigue, loss of hair, etc., but these are temporary, and that doctors and families will do their best to help the patient to alleviate the discomfort.In their interpretation, parents should encourage children to ask questions and to respond to them with patience. Children may ask the same questions repeatedly, and parents need to be patient and understand that this is how children deal with information and emotions. Parents should also take care to observe the behaviour and emotional changes of children, identify their possible psychological problems in a timely manner and provide appropriate guidance and support.Helping children express their feelings is another important aspect. Children may not know how to express their fears and fears in language, and parents can encourage them to express their feelings through painting, writing journals, telling stories or playing role-playing games. Through these activities, children can better understand their emotions and learn how to deal with them.Furthermore, parents should provide a safe environment for children to feel loved and supported. Parents can work with children to develop day-to-day plans of activities to keep life regular and to make children feel that life remains orderly and predictable. At the same time, parents should encourage children to maintain contact with their friends and classmates and not to isolate themselves because of illness in the family. The support of schools and communities is also important, and parents can communicate with teachers to ensure that children receive appropriate attention and support in schools.In the family, parents should work with children to face the challenges posed by cancer. Parents can feel that they can contribute to the family by participating in activities such as preparing gifts for patients and writing encouraging cards. This sense of participation and belonging is essential to the child ‘ s mental health.Finally, education and communication are key to helping children understand the impact of cancer. Parents, teachers and medical professionals should work together to provide children with accurate information and appropriate psychological support. Through education, children can better understand cancer and reduce fear and misunderstanding; through communication, they can express their feelings and receive emotional support.In general, when a family member suffers from cancer, parents need to pay special attention to the mental health of the child. Through simple and comprehensible interpretation, encouragement of emotional expression, a safe environment and support, as well as education and communication, families can face together the challenges posed by cancer and help children to grow up healthy.