Introduction

To be told that your grandchild has cancer comes as a terrible shock. Most grandparents worry not only about the sick child, but also about how their own son/daughter will cope. Most are also concerned about the effects it will have on any other children within the family, and of course, how, as grandparents, they themselves will cope.

Parents of the sick child usually have access to doctors and others who can answer their questions. It is not as easy for grandparents to get information first hand and this can lead to feelings of isolation. This booklet tries to answer some of the many questions grandparents may have.

Contents

EARLY QUESTIONS
- Are children’s cancers the same as adults?
- Is it something we’ve done?
- Someone else in the family has cancer. Is it in our genes?
- Can cancer ever really be cured?
- Why don’t we hear of the successes?
- Why do I feel so helpless?

HOW YOU CAN HELP
- If you are close at hand
- If you live away
- Supporting your son/daughter (in-law)
- Supporting your grandchildren

SUPPORT FOR YOU
- Make sure that you get what you need
- Support from family and friends
- How talking can help
- Support groups and counsellors
- Useful contacts

Useful books/booklets

Download the booklet (PDF 605kb)