This activity book can provide a starting point for discussion. The workbook is chock-full of art, music, writing and other engaging activities. Art and writing can be powerful ways for children to express themselves. They may not be able to say 'I hurt,' but through the pictures they draw and the words they use to describe their lives, you get a good idea of how they feel. Nurse Karen Janes provides the informational component of the workbook and also works with children at the Vancouver Cancer Centre.
Cancer is a very powerful word, even for children.
It's a reality that many young children, or their friends, have had someone in their family diagnosed with cancer, whether that's a parent, sibling, grandparent or an aunt or uncle, so they may have already heard a lot about it. My role is to provide basic information, in an age appropriate manner, about cancer. I try to explain to kids what causes cancer, and how it's treated. I believe it's very important to provide accurate information. Children may imagine the worst when they don't have the information they need.