Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

Children’s distress with sick parents:

A study by CanTeen shows that having a dad with cancer leads to more distress for kids than a mum.
By Motherpedia
Date: November 13 2013
Tags: kids, parenting,
Editor Rating:
worried_teen_boy

More young people experience high levels of psychological distress when their father has cancer compared with their mother, according to research by youth cancer charity CanTeen.

Levels of psychological distress are commonly measured using a scale called Kessler 10, where results are organised into four categories; low (10-15), moderate (16-21), high (22-30) and very high (31-50).

In Australia overall, 9% of young people are in the high or very high categories.

The CanTeen study found that the figure leapt to 55% among young people whose mother had cancer and rose even further to 72% when the father had cancer.

“Every year, another 21,000 young people face the challenge of having a parent diagnosed with cancer, which often leaves them feeling vulnerable, frightened and confused,” said Dr Pandora Patterson, General Manager - Research at CanTeen.

“Our research aims to provide a better understanding of their needs so that we can adapt CanTeen’s services and programs – or develop new ones - to best support young people living with cancer.

“What surprised us about our study was that more young people experienced high levels of psychological distress when their father had cancer compared to their mother.

“One possible explanation for the findings stems from the fact that the caregiver within a couple affected by cancer often experiences higher levels of distress than the patient. If the mother is caring for the father, this could potentially have a greater impact on the children.

“We also found that cancer returning to the family through a parent relapsing led to more psychological distress than the initial diagnosis.

“Almost 70% of young people whose parent had relapsed were experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress compared to 57% of those whose parent was fighting cancer for the first time,” Dr Patterson said.

CanTeen provides a range of free counselling and support programs for young people whose parents have cancer. Visit canteen.org.au for more information or call 1800 226 833.

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Related Articles
young_man_pondering
Movember, beyondblue and the Young & Well Cooperative Research Centre…
Read more
canteen
Buy and wear a CanTeen bandanna to show your support…
Read more
girl_thinking
A lovely new book written through the eyes of a…
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.