Mesothelioma Hope is a great resource for children dealing with the diagnosis or death of a loved one from this rare cancer.
Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer that develops years after a person’s repeated exposure to the highly durable construction material, asbestos.
When asbestos is inhaled for prolonged periods of time, fibers lodge into the body, lining the lungs, heart and abdomen. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this type of cancer. It is most predominantly diagnosed in veterans, industrial workers and their family members, via transfer of fibers from clothing.
Any cancer diagnosis is difficult for a family to navigate; it is especially tough to tell a child that someone they love has terminal cancer.
Mesothelioma Hope, founded by a team of advocates in Massachusetts, USA, strives to educate people about this aggressive cancer. It offers many tips and services to help families support their children as they face the challenge of a sick family member.
It is important to take the time to teach your child healthy coping mechanisms and answer any questions they may have about cancer.
Providing resources and having open, honest and supportive conversations about cancer can help your child understand what is happening to their loved one.
A child may be upset, angry, confused or frustrated. Be truthful and transparent about everything, from treatment to side effects to prognosis. Use the words cancer and death – not euphemisms. Don’t mask emotions; children need to know it is completely acceptable to be sad.
Online forums give helpful advice on how to emotionally support children in the comfort of their own home.
Individual or group therapy is a great portal for children to express their feelings in a healthy, safe environment.
Support groups provide families with excellent connections to other families who are in similar situations.
Losing a loved one to cancer can greatly affect every member of your family. To learn more about your family member’s diagnosis, download our free Mesothelioma Guide with over 60 pages of in-depth information.
For further information, go to https://www.mesotheliomahope.com
