Although an increasing number of cancer patients are living with their disease, a hidden group at high risk for psychological problems are their children. To address this situation, a pilot project called "Bear Essentials" was developed at Missouri Baptist Cancer Center in St. Louis for young children of cancer patients to help families (1) understand how children perceive illness, separation, and loss, (2) discuss the concerns of patients, spouses, and children in a supportive environment, and (3) develop coping strategies to manage better the emotional difficulties caused by a parent's illness. Children and parents met separately in concurrent monthly support groups led by a team composed of a social worker, nurses, and a chaplain. This article examines the literature on the children of cancer patients, describes the process of developing the project, and discusses the content, assessment, and outcomes of the project, which has become an ongoing program. It concludes with recommendations for replication, with specific emphasis on the use of an interdisciplinary team approach.
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