Psychosocial care during the treatment phase

Parents of children with cancer often experience pressure due to their child’s reduced immunity, the risk of complications or side effects of medication, and the possibility of emergency hospital admissions. This can cause anxiety and stress. Guidance in dealing realistically with risks and lifestyle rules requires a great deal of attention. In addition, there is a constant and real risk of complications and serious side effects of medication, meaning that children and parents are regularly confronted with unplanned hospital admissions. This can be highly disruptive and causes significant stress and anxiety for both parents and children.

It is very important to pay attention to stress and adaptation to the illness and treatment in parents, as there is a strong relationship with the child’s adjustment. It is also reported that many parents find it difficult to let go of their child during this phase. Parents of children undergoing cancer treatment sometimes struggle to set demands or limits for their sick child and to resume parenting in the way it was before the diagnosis. Parents may also experience parenting stress, as they often find it difficult to set boundaries during this challenging period. Support from a medical social worker, medical educational care provider, or psychologist can be helpful in this regard.

Many parents find it difficult to hand over the care of their sick child to others. Involving a third caregiver in the child’s care can be experienced as very supportive. Often, one of the parents returns to work some time after the diagnosis, which can increase the pressure on the other parent. The question of whether the child may return to school also frequently arises during this phase. Staff from the Educational Support Service are involved from the time of diagnosis to ensure continuity and involvement of the child’s own school.

For parents, combining work with the care and treatment of their child is a major challenge. Experience and research show that when a child is diagnosed with cancer, many parents exhibit acute symptoms of medical traumatic stress during the treatment phase. Acute stress symptoms such as heightened tension, irritability, sleep problems, and concentration difficulties can have profound consequences for daily and social functioning and should not be underestimated. Medical social workers inform parents who are employed about the various leave arrangements available and provide advice on conversations with employers.

When a parent is no longer able to work (often as a result of the mental impact of their child’s illness and treatment), they may be required to report sick to their employer or disability insurance provider. The social worker advises on discussions with the employer or occupational physician and can take on a mediating role if desired.

Self-employed parents who are unable to work may, in some cases, be entitled to social assistance for the self-employed. Social workers support parents in exploring these options and refer them to the municipality to determine eligibility.

Parents may experience financial stress due to increasing healthcare costs and reduced income as a result of the treatment. Social workers provide information about various schemes that help cover healthcare costs and refer parents to organizations that can assist with financial concerns.

More information

Grootenhuis, M.A., Aarsen, F., & Van den Bergh, E. (2022). Pscyhologische behandeling bij kinderen met kanker. In S. Duijts, R. Sanderman, M. Schroevers, & T. Vos (Eds.), Psychologische patiëntenzorg in de oncologie (pp. 323-334). Uitgeverij Van Gorcum.

Patterson, J.M., Hol, K.E., & Gurney, J.G. (2004). The impact of childhood cancer on the family: a qualitive analysis of strains, resources, and coping behaviors. Psycho-oncology, 13 (6), 390-407.