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Is anger about cancer affecting children?

Page last modified on: October 9, 2008

Question from Kryton: I am so angry about having cancer that I could just scream, and sometimes I do just scream. It's usually in the car, away from the children, but I fear that some of this is getting through to them. What can I do about this?: Answer —Paula Rauch, M.D.: It's natural to have a wide range of feelings about having breast cancer and anger is certainly a very common and understandable one. If you feel like the anger is just too difficult for you to vent, and that it may be leaking out in other places and may be negatively affecting your children, it's important to get some help from a counselor and to think of activities and other outlets that help you to feel more comfortable in yourself. I admire you for being honest about this. It's often hard for people to be honest about anger, and being honest about those feelings is the first step to finding ways to feel more comfortable in your own skin.

On Wednesday, May 17, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Talking with Kids about Breast Cancer. Paula Rauch, M.D. and Tamara Shulman, Ph.D., F.A.A.C.P. answered your questions about specific ways to support your kids while you undergo treatment, and different communication strategies for helping your kids to feel secure during a time of uncertainty.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Paula K. Rauch, M.D. is a child psychiatrist on the Harvard Medical School faculty and practices at the Massachusetts General Hospital. She founded and directs the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center parenting program known as Parenting At a Challenging Time (PACT).

Tamara Shulman, Ph.D., FAACP Tamara Shulman, Ph.D., F.A.A.C.P. is a clinical psychologist based in the New York City area who works with adults, adolescents, and children deal with the crisis of serious illness.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.

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