A woman’s children are likely to be affected by her breast cancer diagnosis. Depending on their age, children may know something is wrong without even being told.Change can be frightening for children. It can be difficult for them to adjust, especially if their mum looks different or is in hospital for a time. Children may worry about what the diagnosis means for them – whether they will be left alone and whether they might also develop cancer.
The information in this section is aimed particularly towards dependent children. However, a parent’s cancer diagnosis can be upsetting even for adults with children of their own. Having open and honest communication is generally helpful. Adult children might find it helpful to access further information about support through the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.