As this group perceives that they receive little support from their parents, use of family meetings and family therapy may be a worthwhile avenue to answer their concerns, and validate their contribution, and allow an opportunity for problem solving. Clearly, the provision of information is crucial. The coping of the family as a whole clearly influences the response of children to the situation. The degree of physical burden posed by the illness, and the extent of depression of the partner may play a significant role, as may social and personality characteristics. Of particular concern is the finding that parents may not recognise distress in their children, nor facilitate discussion by the children about their concerns.
Difficulty communicating about the disease is a prominent theme throughout the literature.
Although the clinical service providers surveyed acknowledged the needs of children as being of vital importance, there are few resources developed specifically for them. Enquiries about the adjustment and needs of children do not appear to be a part of routine clinical care. The resources which are available from the various cancer agencies are generally not specific to advanced breast cancer, and furthermore, much of this material comes from overseas. In view of these findings, this report makes the following recommendations which may improve awareness of the concerns of children of mothers with advanced breast cancer, so that appropriate assistance can be offered. The views or opinions stated in external resources which are links on this home page do not necessarily reflect those of the National Breast Cancer Centre.