The Effects of Pediatric Cancer on Healthy Siblings: An Integrative Review

Pediatric cancer is an epidemic that fundamentally alters the lives of families all over the world. In both clinical and research settings, it is widely understood that cancer impacts the patient mentally, physically, emotionally, and psychologically. However, the degree of impact on healthy siblings of children with cancer is widely overlooked. Thus, the goal of this research is to highlight the psychological implications of pediatric cancer on healthy siblings, through a developmental perspective, and identify how healthcare workers can better integrate interventions geared towards the entire family. This integrative review identified that siblings psychologically and psychosocially struggle with a lack of information and involvement, alteration of family routine and balance, and isolation from regular activities and relationships.