Children's and adolescents' information needs when mum or dad develops cancer -a review of the literatureBackground: Every year, about 4,000 children in Norway experiences a family member, often one of the parents, developing cancer.Cancer in a parent can be stressful for children and youngsters because of the threat of loss and changes in family roles and everyday life following the disease and treatment.From January 2010, children's independent right to receive information is strengthened by changes in the Norwegian Regulations for Health Personnel. Objective:The aim of this study is to review existing research that elaborates and specifies children's and adolescents' information needs when mum or dad develops cancer. Methods:A systematic search for relevant research literature was conducted in the following databases; Joanna Briggs Institute, Evidence-Based Nursing, PsycInfo, Medline, Cinahl and Svemed+.Results: A total of eleven single studies and one review article was included.The studies highlight the information needs of children and youth within six domains; the child's understanding, the content, timing and extent of the information, sources of information and mutual protection. Conclusion:The studies suggest that the parents are children's most important source of information.Children want honest and specific information about the disease and treatment, including prognostic information.The results correspond with the new regulations and guidelines provided.
