Psychosocial ramifications of childhood malignancy for the child and family.

The changes that occur in a child's life following the diagnosis of cancer extend to other members of the family and, through time, far beyond the biologic cure of the disease. The responses of the family to this stress and the ways in which they cope with it will depend partially on their own resources and partially on the severity of the disease and its treatment. This paper describes the factors that influence the family's adaptation to illness and presents a case example that illustrates criteria useful in assessing the need for psychologic consultation in childhood cancer patients and their families. Also presented are guidelines for the physician in his/her continuing observation and follow-up of these patients and families.