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The Impact of Childhood Cancer on the Quality of Life Among Healthy Siblings

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Quality of Life Among Cancer Survivors

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Abstract

Physical and psychosocial care of children with cancer and life-threatening illnesses have received increasing attention and emphasis in recent literature. However, the current and future status of siblings of such patients has been an underreported area of concern. Previous research studies and clinical experience have shown that siblings of pediatric cancer patients suffer in response to the disease process and that their needs are usually unattended by parents and professionals. The impact of childhood cancer on these siblings may affect their emotional, physical, social, and school functioning, which may have an effect on their overall quality of life. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to examine the impact of childhood cancer on the quality of life among healthy siblings. A literature search was conducted focusing on theories of sibling relationships and the emotional, physical, social, and school functioning of these siblings after a familial cancer diagnosis. Therapeutic interventions and implications for healthcare professionals are also discussed. This chapter provides a comprehensive review and highlights the importance of care for siblings of cancer survivors and other life-threatening illnesses.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Clara Le for her help with the Therapeutic Interventions section.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Michelle Le

  2. Department of Social work, Arizona State University, Westmount, QC, Canada

    Tanya R. Fitzpatrick

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  1. Michelle Le
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Correspondence to Michelle Le .

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  1. Department of Social Work, Arizona State University, Westmount, Québec, Canada

    Tanya R. Fitzpatrick

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Le, M., Fitzpatrick, T.R. (2018). The Impact of Childhood Cancer on the Quality of Life Among Healthy Siblings. In: Fitzpatrick, T. (eds) Quality of Life Among Cancer Survivors . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75223-5_8

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