When your brother or sister has cancer
Published: Apr 2024
Next review: Apr 2027
Being told that your brother or sister has cancer can be overwhelming and you may be full of questions. It is a difficult time for everyone in your family as life is turned upside down almost overnight.
You will likely feel many different emotions as you try and come to terms with what your sibling’s diagnosis means for you and your family. You may feel worried or upset at this sudden change that you didn’t want or ask for, and you may desperately want everything to go back to normal as it was before their diagnosis. Life can seem very unfair. These feelings are completely normal and you are not alone.
This guide covers how your brother or sister’s diagnosis might affect you, your feelings and emotions, and how it is important to take care of yourself during this difficult time. It explains more about cancer, and what you can expect over the coming weeks and months.
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How this resource was made
This edition was revised and edited by the CCLG Information Team in conjunction with the CCLG Information Advisory Group, comprising multiprofessional experts in the field of children’s cancer.
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