To learn more
More information from your American Cancer Society
We have a lot more information for you. You can find it online at www.cancer.org. Or, you can call our toll-free number at 1-800-227-2345 to talk to one of our cancer information specialists.
National organizations and websites*
Along with the American Cancer Society, other sources of information and support include:
Caregiver Action Network (CAN)
Website: www.caregiveraction.org
Information and support for family caregivers from peers and CAN volunteers
Caring Connections – National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Toll-free number: 1-800-658-8898
In other languages: 1-877-658-8896
Website: www.caringinfo.org
Information on making plans for end of life (advance directives), hospice care, and finding hospice care. Also has information on caring for a very ill loved one, managing pain, grieving, and more.
Hospice Foundation of America
Toll-free number: 1-800-854-3402
Website: www.hospicefoundation.org
Has end-of-life resources and information for patients and families, a hospice locator service (at www.hospicedirectory.org), and bereavement support groups referrals are available in some areas
The Centering Corporation
Toll-free number: 1-866-218-0101
Website: www.centering.org
Information, books, and many other resources on bereavement and loss for children and adults; also has materials in Spanish
GriefNet
Telephone: 734-761-1960
Website for adults: www.griefnet.org
Information on grief and bereavement; online and email groups for adult grief support; separate online support groups for children under 12 and for teens (with consent from parent or guardian)
The Dougy Center
Toll-free number: 1-866-775-5683
Website: www.dougy.org
Information, books, DVDs, and online activities for grieving children, teens, adults, and their families. They refer to programs across the country and around the world that serve to help children in grief. Some support groups offered, even for very young children.
Fernside
Telephone: 513-246-9140
Website: www.fernside.org
Offers phone support to parents and guardians with questions or concerns about the needs of grieving children; also has “How to Help” booklets to help adults assist grieving children
National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
Toll-free number: 1-800-228-6332
Website: www.nfda.org/public.html
Offers information on grief and mourning, working with kids and teens, funeral planning, understanding cremation, “green” burials, and more
You may also want to contact your local hospice or hospital for bereavement support groups in your area.
*Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by the American Cancer Society.
No matter who you are, we can help. Contact us anytime, day or night, for information and support. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
Last Medical Review: January 14, 2015 Last Revised: September 11, 2019
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer: Dealing With a Parent`s Terminal Illness
- How do I know I’m dying?
- Why should I tell my children I’m dying?
- How do I talk to my children about dying?
- Will this experience affect my child’s happiness and ability to enjoy life in the future?
- What if I’m a single parent and have a terminal illness?
- How do children of different ages deal with illness and death ?
- Infants or very young children
- Children age 3 to 5
- Children age 6 to 8
- Children age 9 to 12
- Teens
- When death is near, should children be there for the actual event?
- How can children be prepared for the memorial ritual or funeral?
- What other factors influence how a child understands a parent’s death?
- Spiritual and religious beliefs may help comfort children
- How are children affected by the surviving parent’s grief?
- How should your child’s school be included?
- To learn more
- References