THE REACTION OF CHINESE PARENTS TO A TERMINALLY ILL CHILD WITH CANCER

Twenty-two families who had a child dying from cancer in hospitals in China were interviewed regarding their situation. The interviews were all conducted in Chinese, and the results were analyzed descriptively. Cancer was identified by all families as the most frightening aspect of their situations. Not having enough money for medicines and hospita lization were identified as being the most difficult problem. Sixteen of 22 families paid for the total cost of medical treatment and hospit alization by themselves. The families gave suggestions for other famil ies who may have a child with cancer.