The meaning of cancer to children.

The meaning of cancer to children depends on a variety of individual and family characteristics, including the child's developmental and cognitive level, previous life experiences, the context of the illness, the family member with cancer, and family relationships. Cancer may mean alterations in physical characteristics, self-concept, feelings, and life-style, as well as loss of support and a need for information. This article reviews the cognitive, personal, and social meaning of cancer to children who have cancer, to those whose siblings have cancer, and to children of parents with cancer.