One of the hardest challenges for parents of children with cancer —emotionally and practically—is to see your child in pain and distress, especially when facing cancer. Unfortunately, according to the World Health Organization, around 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer every year, most commonly with leukemia, brain tumors, or lymphomas. Parents play a crucial role in improving their child’s quality of life, and their emotional well-being is the cornerstone for coping with this demanding situation. (World Health Organization, 2025)
Parenting and Childhood Cancer
Cancer can cause major upheavals and imbalances within a family. Parents in particular play a multifaceted and decisive role, often experiencing intense distress, stress, anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress symptoms. According to the study by Kearney, Salley, and Muriel, parental distress negatively affects the child’s quality of life as well as family and marital relationships.
Because parents are the primary caregivers, they strive to support their children throughout all stages of treatment. Building psychological resilience against fear and stress is essential to achieving that goal. Without parental self-care, there can be no real care for the child. (Kearney et al., 2015)
The Importance of Psychological Support
Most parents develop resilience, creating a new sense of normalcy. However, additional support through psychotherapy—particularly cognitive-behavioral and family-based approaches (CBT)—can greatly help manage emotions and reduce anxiety.
Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST), which helps individuals identify and correct unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior, has proven effective: more than 800 mothers of children with cancer reported reduced negative emotions and distress.
Beyond professional psychological support, parents’ own outlook and access to emotional support play a significant role in how they cope. (Kearney et al., 2015)
In every case, childhood cancer places a heavy burden on parents, demanding enormous strength and dedication. Yet with self-care, they can create the foundation to better support their children.
At Kapa3, we strongly believe that psychological empowerment and emotional support for parents and caregivers of children with cancer are vital. Through awareness actions, support programs, and collaborations with mental health professionals, we aim to strengthen not only the patients but also those who stand by them every single day.
Sources: Kearney, J. A., Salley, C. G., & Muriel, A. C. (2015). Standards of psychosocial care for parents of children with cancer. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 62(S5), S632–S683. Read more here
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Original text by Anastasia Dania for Kapa3
English translation and adaptation by Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3