They are affected by tension they see in their parents and changes in the family routine. Siblings may have to stay with friends or relatives while their parents are at the hospital or clinic, and parents may be so consumed by the care of the child who is ill that they unintentionally neglect their other children's needs. This can lead to a sense of abandonment, as well as to feelings of jealousy and resentment.
Siblings also fear losing their brother or sister.
They may experience guilt if they assume some responsibility for the cancer. It is not uncommon for a sibling to believe that an unkind verbal or physical exchange led to the cancer. Being a sibling of a cancer victim was immensely tough. I was fortunate enough that my parents still gave their attention evenly. Jennifer, age 17 As they are not always able to articulate their feelings, siblings may display their emotions through behaviour, such as school problems, sleep disturbance, withdrawal or angry outbursts.