Vancouver - It can be difficult enough for an adult to understand a diagnosis of cancer, let alone a child. Time for Me, a new booklet produced by the staff of the BC Cancer Agency helps kids, with a family member living with cancer, understand the diagnosis of cancer and cope creatively with the cancer experience.

The activity workbook, for children ages six to 12, focuses on the special bond between a child and their family; provides answers to questions children commonly ask about cancer; looks at changes that may have occurred in family life and provides tips for children on coping with the illness.

"Many parents and children find it difficult to talk about cancer, or even to know where to begin," says art therapist June Slakov, one of the writers of the book. "The diagnosis of cancer affects everyone in a family, even the youngest members. This activity book can provide a starting point for discussion."

The workbook is chock-full of art, music, writing and other engaging activities. "Sometimes it can be difficult for children to talk about their feelings, especially very young children," continues Slakov. "Art and writing can be powerful ways for children to express themselves. They may not be able to say 'I hurt,' but through the pictures they draw and the words they use to describe their lives, you get a good idea of how they feel."

Nurse Karen Janes provides the informational component of the workbook and also works with children at the Vancouver Cancer Centre. "Cancer is a very powerful word, even for children. It's a reality that many young children, or their friends, have had someone in their family diagnosed with cancer, whether that's a parent, sibling, grandparent or an aunt or uncle, so they may have already heard a lot about it. My role is to provide basic information, in an age appropriate manner, about cancer. I try to explain to kids what causes cancer, and how it's treated.

"I believe it's very important to provide accurate information. Children may imagine the worst when they don't have the information they need. I've spoken with children who feel it's their fault their mom or dad got sick because in a moment of anger they may have said something cruel. Or they may have overheard a parent saying stress contributed to their cancer, and because the child may have be fighting with a sibling, they blame themselves for causing the stress."

Also included in the workbook are strategies for children when they are feeling low. "It's important for kids to realize they will experience a range of emotions during their parent's illness, and that's o.k." says Slakov, "But there are things they can do to help themselves feel better. It's important for kids to play even when times are difficult. They should have fun and not feel guilty about that. They can watch a funny video or make cookies or sleep over at a friend's house."

Mary Hatch's two young children Tom and Gloria, both aged nine, received a workbook when they attended the Children's Support Group program held at the Vancouver Cancer Centre. The children had a particularly difficult time with their mother's illness, because they had lost their father when they were two, and they were afraid to lose her too. "I felt it was important they meet other children and see what happens in other families," says Hatch, a primary school teacher. "I found the activity booklet to be excellent. There's a lot of happy things, like fun activities, and coupons for hugs and kisses and a lot of factual information, which is helpful because at the beginning a family has so many questions."

Mary believes Tom and Gloria are well-adjusted because they have been given so much information and they are encouraged to ask questions. "I like the vocabulary that's used in the booklet. It makes the information understandable for children. There's information about all the treatments: chemotherapy and radiation therapy and surgery. Everything's in little sections, so you can read a bit, put the book down and come back to it easily."

The booklet is currently being used in the Children's Support Group classes held at the Vancouver and Fraser Valley Cancer Centres and by counsellors at the Cancer Centre for the Southern Interior and the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre. It can also be purchased for $10, plus shipping costs, from any cancer centre:

Vancouver: (604) 877-6098, local 2194
Fraser Valley: (604) 930-4000
Vancouver Island: (250) 370-8413
Southern Interior: (250) 712-3963.