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Can Children Understand Breast Cancer?

FEMedia Pty Ltd

Key Facts:

Kids and breast cancer. They should know.

October Breast Cancer Month

 

Can Children Understand Breast Cancer?

 

When a parent is diagnosed with breast cancer, the family is part of the journey. The Cancer Council supported Susanne Gervay OAM a specialist in child growth and development, when she wrote the children’s book Always Jack. The Cancer Council is aware of the many instructive and informative books for young people. However, the Council supported a story that engaged real feelings and understanding of breast cancer. Dr Vivienne Milch, Medical Director, Cancer Australia explains, “Always Jack is hopeful and encouraging whilst not shying away from the child’s pain and fears, using humour to sensitively appeal to a child about a difficult subject.”

 

Susanne Gervay OAM is a triple breast cancer survivor. She loves speaking to young people sharing Always Jack. Her first cancer was at 39. The second cancer at 48. Third cancer at 59.  She hid her breast cancer surgery and treatment from her two children to “keep them safe”.  Later she had a mastectomy.  Her young children realized that there was something wrong. She tried to explain that she had breast cancer. They were afraid. Slept in her bedroom and didn’t trust her.  A decade later Susanne had breast cancer again, at 49. Then she had breast cancer again at 59. It was different to her first breast cancer where she hid the truth. She realised that children needed to share her journey as a family.

 

Endorsement by the Cancer Council proudly carries the yellow daffodil on the back cover of Always Jack. Dr Vivienne Milch wrote. “Written from the perspective of a young boy, Always Jack is engaging and enjoyable to read.  It weaves mostly accurate detailed clinical information into a children’s style, in an easy to read, educational, empathic and understandable manner. Impressively, it covers many aspects of a woman’s experience with breast cancer, including:

• Screening mammograms
• The triple test: Diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, biopsy
• Surgery
• Lymphoedema
• Hormonal treatment
• Men and breast cancer
• Psychosocial implications for the child – fear of losing his mother and of things not being “normal”

 The message of the novel is hopeful and encouraging whilst not shying away from the child’s pain and fears, using humour to sensitively appeal to a child about a difficult subject.”

According to Breast Cancer Network Australia, Cancer Australia, and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women and some men. Around 21,000–22,000 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. About 1 in 7 Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. With early detection, screenings and high-quality treatment, more than 9 in 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer survive at least five years after diagnosis.

 

Always Jack won the Australian Family Therapists’ Awards for Children’s Literature . 

 

 “Always Jack is Gervay's vehicle for spreading words of wisdom, but at no time does she preach ...Beautiful, sad, funny -  Always Jack will make you laugh & make you cry. Guaranteed. Carrying the Cancer Council NSW's stamp of approval, Jack's story will stay with readers always.' Books Extra Sun Herald

 

For those who wish to donate to cancer research and support:

https://www.cancercouncilfundraising.com.au/give/donate

 

A Gift for You. A free copy is available to 10 readers in Australia.

Always Jack published Angus & Robertson imprint HarperCollins ISBN9780 7322-90207

Send details to: [email protected]

 

Media

Contact: Tory [email protected]; Ph: 0413 050 922

Susanne  [email protected]

Media email: [email protected]; (02) 8256 4100

Contact details:

Media

Contact: Tory [email protected]; Ph: 0413 050 922

Susanne  [email protected]

Media email: [email protected]; (02) 8256 4100