Needs and Difficulties of Parents with Children Suffering from Malignant Diseases

Abstract

Malignant diseases are one of the leading causes of death in children in developed countries, although constant progress in therapy is continuously decreasing mortality. The diagnosis of malignant disease is a significant stressor in the life of a child and its family, significantly affecting the quality of life for the entire family. it constitutes the prototype of a stressful situation and a disease with a potentially devastating effect on the child and its family. This paper discusses 50 professional and scientific papers published between 1993 and 2022 that explore the needs and difficulties of parents of children with malignant diseases. To provide adequate help and care, a correct evaluation of the problem and parents’ needs is required. for the parents, the diagnosis of a malignant disease for their child constitutes a psy- chological and existential challenge. To meet the par- ents’ needs, as well as to ease their problems, further research – in most cases also supported by the parents themselves – is needed to help them cope with this extremely stressful and hard part of their lives.