Fear a Normal Reaction
For children facing cancer treatments, fear is a normal reaction to a scary and overwhelming experience. And sadly, this fear can become a distraction. This can hinder their ability to find comfort, connect with friends and family, or enjoy moments of normalcy. Equally concerning is when fear overwhelms their mind, this distraction can interfere with their ability to focus on their care.
As Mikey’s Way founder, Mikey Friedman wrote, “If you live your life in fear of cancer, you have succumbed to the disease. Fear is a distraction, diverting your attention from the true beauty of life. The small things. Life’s beauty dwells in the rush of adrenaline. It floats on the new-fallen snow, plotting a noiseless descent, ready to provide its calm blanket for all who’ll receive it. It hides quietly in life’s obscure possibilities, those things we take for granted.”
Life Beyond Cancer
Mikey recognized that fear is a normal reaction to cancer. And he understood the harmful impact it can have on one’s healing ability. But Mikey chose to focus on optimism, humor, and as much positive energy as he could muster. He also understood the importance of helping children experience life beyond cancer. “There is a pressing importance to remind pediatric cancer patients that life exists outside of cancer.” he wrote. “It can be easy to forget this when you have spent five weeks in a hospital room, when you have been in treatment for three years.”
There are strategies, like those Mikey used, that can help reduce fear in young patients. These strategies can help them approach their journey with greater resilience. Here’s a closer look at some approaches that may help your child manage their fears. This in turn can redirect their attention toward hope and healing.
Fear is a Normal Reaction to Treatment so Create a Positive Focus
When a child is sick, it’s only natural for them to have moments of fear and anxiety. A Parent’s Guide to Enhancing Quality of Life in Children with Cancer provides a helpful explanation regarding anxiety. According to this Guide, “Anxiety may be caused by worry about the disease, as well as the changes in social situations caused by the cancer diagnosis. It can also be caused by worry that the disease may not be curable.”
This worry, this focus on fear, can often overshadow the positive aspects of their recovery. So, it’s important to help these young warriors celebrate even small victories—like completing a day of treatment, reaching milestones, or enjoying their favorite activities. These acknowledgements serve as reminders that they are moving forward. Creating a positive focus can help children remember that every step, no matter how small, brings them closer to health and recovery.
When Fearful, Provide Positive Diversions
Fear can make children feel reluctant to engage in their normal activities. Diversion can be an effective approach in reducing this fear and anxiety. By encouraging children to engage in their activities it can help them relax. They also find a vehicle that lets them express feelings they might not yet have words for. “Children with Cancer, A Guide for Parents” published by the National Cancer Institute offers practices that help children through integrative medicine approaches. Family members and caregivers can support this by actively participating in these activities. Together they can create moments of laughter and connection that remind children of the beauty and positivity around them. Electronics like the ones Mikey’s Way offers, are excellent vehicles to provide diversion. These are especially helpful during treatment, hospitalization, or long clinic visits.
Physical Distraction
Fear activates the autonomic nervous system, setting off the fight-or-flight response that prepares us to either protect ourselves or flee from danger. When we encounter something stressful or anxiety-inducing, this system kicks in, leading to possible physical symptoms. Headaches, shallow breathing, or stomach aches are among some of the symptoms we may experience. These physical responses can distract children from relaxing, eating well, and even sleeping, all of which are essential parts of healing.
Relaxation techniques such as simple breathing exercises, guided imagery, or meditation apps designed for children can help them release physical tension and calm their minds.
Fear a Normal Reaction to Pain and Discomfort – a Barrier to Treatment Compliance
Many pediatric cancer patients naturally fear the pain and discomfort associated with treatment. This fear can make them reluctant to fully cooperate during medical procedures, making them more challenging and stressful for the child. Over time, repeated fear-driven resistance can amplify a child’s anxiety, creating a cycle of fear and avoidance.
To ease fear around treatment, provide children with incentives or rewards for cooperation and bravery. Praising their resilience, establishing comforting rituals before and after procedures, and allowing them to bring favorite toys or blankets for comfort can help reduce resistance and shift their focus from fear to resilience. Encouraging children to focus on their strength and celebrating their courage with small rewards or recognition reinforces their ability to face fears, reduces distractions, and builds confidence.
Bringing Children Back to Hope and Healing
For pediatric cancer patients, fear may be a natural response, but it doesn’t have to define their journey. By guiding them to focus on recovery and resilience, we can help them live as fully as possible, even amid challenges. In the end, courage flourishes, hope endures, and every small act of bravery moves them closer to healing.