Japanese parents' perception of disclosing the diagnosis of cancer to their children. (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Watanabe, Akiko; Nunes, Terezinha; Abreu, Guida de
• Is Part Of: Clinical child psychology and psychiatry. Volume 19:Number 1(2014:Jan.)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 138
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: Childhood cancer -- diagnosis disclosure -- parents coping with paediatric cancer; Clinical child psychology -- Periodicals; Child psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.9289
• DOI: 10.1177/1359104512470599
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1045

Abstract

In Japan, the practice of disclosing the diagnosis of cancer to young people varies between hospitals. Some hospitals respect parent's wishes and do not to tell young people about their diagnoses whereas others encourage parents to adopt their policy of informing patients. Unfortunately, there is no research about parents' adjustment to either course of action. This study examines parents' perspectives regarding this decision. Parents (55) and grand-parents (3) were interviewed about their experience of sharing or not sharing the diagnosis with their children. Analysis of the interviews reveals a complex picture in which parents struggle to balance their emotions, their representation of 'cancer as death', their views of their children's level of understanding as well as the positive and negative effects of disclosure on their children. We suggest that knowledge of parents' perspectives can be useful to health professionals who support parents living with this dilemma.