Children can become hostile as they are often confused and frequently not informed. Extra responsibilities can make all members of the family resentful, which can lead to further feelings of guilt and shame for having felt that way in the first place. Next to the patient, the partner, if there is one, is most profoundly affected. Suddenly they are shouldering extra responsibilities, while they are dealing with shock and fear of losing their mate. Generally, the mate copes better than the patient, but they may well have their own periods of depression, which is normal.
Good communication is very important.
Young children are especially affected by breast cancer, since they fear separation from their mother. Young children especially fear separation from their mother. While the mother is in the hospital, they are likely to become most afraid. The child may also be feeling guilty about the mother's illness, or may become angry, and then feel guilty over having such feelings. While so much attention is being paid to the patient, the child might feel displaced and attempt to gain attention.