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Community Corner

Talking to Children about Breast Cancer

Talking to Children about Breast Cancer

Jennifer Kolton, LCSW

Cancer Specialist

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Women’s Therapy Center, Plainview, NY

 

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You have just been diagnosed with breast or another female cancer. You are scared, confused, and angry but determined to get through this. One of your biggest fears is, “How do I tell the children that I have cancer? Whether you are a mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, teacher, or any other woman who cares for young children, you will likely struggle with this question. Talking to a professional therapist can help and make this conversation easier and your anxiety much less.

 

I am often asked these three questions by my patients:

1) When is the right time to tell my kids I have cancer?

2) How do I describe my treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy?

3) Do I use the word cancer when I talk to my kids?

 

My advice is that first and foremost as the parent or caretaker, you know your children best. You understand whether you have a child who is more sensitive or a child who is more resilient. Taking into consideration your child’s age is also an important factor in deciding how much you reveal to your child about your diagnosis and treatment.  Most importantly, making sure you have all of the right information and tools to understand how to proceed with this discussion should guarantee an easier adjustment for your children when they learn about your cancer.

 

As mentioned above, using a psychotherapist as a tool and guide to help you cope with your own emotions can also make talking about cancer with children less scary and overwhelming. I counsel my patients about honesty, and teach them safe and constructive ways to talk with their children about their cancer. You are welcome to contact us at the Women’s Therapy Center in Plainview, NY if you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with me and talk about this issue. I am a licensed clinical oncology psychotherapist who specializes in women diagnosed with breast and female cancers. I have been counseling women with cancer since 2009 and recognize the many issues and concerns that you face.

 

Please visit our website for information about insurance and any questions you may have regarding rates. We do accept Medicare.

 

The Women’s Therapy Center was founded in 1996 by Drs. Ditza Katz and Ross Lynn Tabisel. Please contact us at 516-576-1118 or email us at doctors@womentc.com. To make an appointment or to find out more about our services please check out our website: www.womentc.com.

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