When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the family is confronted with m
eeting both the physical and psychosocial needs of the child and maint
aining normal family functioning. This study assessed the perceived ps
ychosocial needs of 77 families who have a child diagnosed with cancer
. Preliminary results suggest practical application for social work in
terventions in specific areas such as the development of an informal s
upport network, enhancement of communication within families concernin
g the disease, the need for adequate information at various stages of
the disease, and continued supportive services for the family.