Factors predicting communication about the diagnosis of maternal breast cancer to children.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors influencing mothers' communication with their children about their diagnosis and initial treatment.


METHODS
Cross-sectional cohort.


METHODS
Two breast cancer treatment centres.


METHODS
Thirty-two women with Stage I or Stage II breast cancer with 56 school-aged children.


METHODS
Semistructured interview regarding timing and extent of communication with children from the time that a problem was first identified to initial treatment, and children's reactions.


RESULTS
Children were most likely to be told about their mother's illness after the diagnosis had been confirmed by biopsy but a minority were told nothing until after surgery and some nothing at all. The information children received did not necessarily include mention of cancer. Predictors of communication were child age, with older children being told earlier and more information, and maternal education, with children of more highly educated mothers being told less. Child gender was not related to communication.


CONCLUSIONS
Mothers who are being investigated for breast cancer are likely to benefit from the opportunity to consult a supportive professional about communication with their children during all stages of their diagnosis and treatment, but particularly early on in the investigation when they are more reluctant to initiate discussions with their children. At later points, those with children of varying ages may need specific advice on ways to discuss their illness in relation to children's understanding.
Barnes
Jacqueline
J
Leopold Muller Centre for Child and Family Mental Health, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK. j.barnes@rfc.ucl.ac.uk
Kroll
Leanda
L
Lee
Joanna
J
Burke
Olive
O
Jones
Alison
A
Stein
Alan
A
D000293:Adolescent; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003142:Communication; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D010287:Parent-Child Relations