The present paper includes an extended literature review about parental cancer and personal and family consequences of such experience. Some of the most important medical and psychosocial issues regarding the diagnosis and treatment of parental cancer are presented. Using a systemic theory as the background model it addresses the influences (negative and positive) of the event in the patient and in other family members. The present paper gives special focus on the offspring's psychological development, including the results regarding traumatic stress and posttraumatic growth, particularly on breast cancer. Some implications and suggestions for future research are addressed.
Parental Cancer; Psychological Development; Traumatic Stress; Posttraumatic Growth