Correct any misinformation your children may have. Talk about your feelings as well as giving your children information. You do not need to go into great detail about the medical treatments, financial concerns or other areas that may generate anxiety. Do not make promises you may not be able to keep. They are more concerned with what is happening to them.
Separation is a major worry.
Assure them that they will be taken care of. Children this age need simple explanations about cancer. Stories that relate cancer to familiar ideas will help explain cancer and treatments. Teenagers understand that cancer can lead to death. They need to be reassured that progress is being made to prevent this and that many people with cancer survive and lead normal lives.