The Impact of pediatric Cancer on Family members

Background: A cancer diagnosis for a family member has a profound impact on the entire family and circle of friends, leading to significant lifestyle changes that can be both stressful and overwhelming. This is particularly true when the diagnosis involves a child, as childhood cancer is closely linked to various aspects that affect the entire family. Methods: The research involved a cross-sectional survey conducted on patients admitted to MACSA Pediatric palliative care Department at Mofid Children's Hospital between December ۲۰۲۳ and May ۲۰۲۴. The evaluation was carried out by contacting the parents of the patients and inquiring the number of family members, the parents’ educational status, and the impacts of children with cancer on other family members.Results: Out of ۱۱۵ patients, ۵۹ patients were attending school or preschool of which only ۴۹ cases were eligible. Out of ۳۶ patients with siblings, ۱۹ patients (۵۲.۷%) claimed that the patients' illness had no impact on their siblings' academic success level, or their siblings had finished school. ۸ (۲۲.۲%) of the patients' siblings were under the age of school, and ۹ (۲۵%) reported that their siblings faced significant academic challenges.Conclusion: Among patients with siblings, over half reported that their illness did not impact their siblings' academic success, while a notable portion faced academic challenges. The disparities in academic outcomes based on parental education levels suggest a need for targeted interventions and support for families with lower educational attainment to help mitigate academic challenges and improve educational outcomes for these vulnerable children.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cancer ، Palliative care ، Pediatric cancer ، Supportive care