Children Exposed to the Death of a Relative by Cancer

Objectives: First cause of death in France, cancer affects many young subjects, in parental situation. Since 2003, Institut Paoli-Calmettes (IPC), a French Comprehensive Cancer Centre, has set up a welcome and meeting time dedicated to families and specifically to children whose parents are undergoing or have undergone cancer treatment. The project of ”Les Gouters de l´IPC” (IPC snacks) is to allow children and parents to talk about cancer and death, expected or lived. The framework of this research-action consists of an evaluation of this approach: How to support children through this event, define and evaluate proposals for support and care, refine and disseminate them? Methods: 1500 children, from few months to teenagers, were met in 15 years. Families welcomed in “Les Gouters de l´IPC” were contacted by post and phone and asked for a home or IPC research interview, conducted individually. More than 1200 answered and 870 interviews were realized. Data collection was recorded using participant observation and free interview technique. Results: The results of this research are communicated here for the first time. Children hesitate between hypermaturity and regressive tendencies, resigned and impulsive conducts, need of power and guilt. Misunderstanding and communication breakdown are real risks, sometimes isolation and withdrawal. Conclusion: Children can´t cross these dramas smoothly and painless. But those concerned will not suffer for the rest of their lives. The death of a parent is a wound. In this unimaginable ordeal, children must be able to count upon our unqualified solidarity.