Children with cancer’s understanding of illness and chemotherapy

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated how children with cancer understand the illness and treatment. Fifteen children aged between six and 12 years who were undergoing chemotherapy or had completed the treatment less than five months before the study were interviewed about their experiences with the disease and chemotherapy. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis as proposed by Bardin. The findings showed that the children were aware of their diagnosis and the gravity of the disease. Chemotherapy was associated with the possibility of cure, but the younger children did not understand how a procedure that made them feel worse provided hope for cure. The older children with leukemia reported feeling insecure in relation to the efficacy of the procedure. The findings reinforce the need to involve children more in procedures with a view to improving quality of life.