FOR KIDS ONLY - DEVELOPMENT OF A PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN FROM FAMILIES WITH A CANCER-PATIENT

Support is available for cancer patients and their partners, but few p rograms are available to help children cope with a parent's or another family member's cancer. The ''For Kids Only'' program was developed t o provide children with a safe environment in which they can share the ir thoughts and feelings and ask questions. The children are given age -appropriate information, and they learn new skills to help them cope more effectively throughout the cancer experience. This article review s the literature on the children of cancer patients, outlines several existing programs for children, and describes factors to consider when developing such a program.