Resources
My sibling has cancer
When your brother or sister is diagnosed with cancer, the world can suddenly become a very different place. Lots of things may change and you probably feel worried about your sibling, and maybe your family and yourself too.
It’s normal to have lots of questions.
Asking questions is a good thing! You might have a lot of questions you want to ask, like:
- Will I get cancer too?
- What is cancer?
- What is chemotherapy?
- What will happen now?
Who can I ask?
You can talk to your parents, carers and family members like grandparents. If you’re visiting the hospital, there’s a social worker there who you can ask too. You can also talk to us and we’ll do our best to answer your questions. If you’re under 14, we’ll need to make sure your parent or carer is okay for us to speak with you.
There aren’t always answers to questions though, or sometimes the answers are hard. You can also talk to your parents, carers and family, the social worker at hospital or us if you’re having a hard time.
Feelings & emotions
When your brother or sister has cancer, there’s lot of different things you might feel
Sad that there are lots of changes
Angry or jealous when you can’t spend time with Mum and Dad
Scared about what will happen
Happy when you can see your brother or sister
Sometimes, you might not be sure what you’re feeling
Just in case this is something you’re worried about: you didn’t cause this and are in no way to blame. Sometimes people think something they said or did caused something bad to happen. But cancer just happens. It is awful, but it’s no one’s fault.
Request help or information
We’re ready, let’s jump right in. How would you like to talk to us?
Related resources


Having to stay in hospital can bring about different challenges. Parents have shared some tips to help you feel more comfortable and to seek support you might need.
Having to stay in hospital can bring about different challenges. Parents have shared some tips to help you feel more comfortable and to seek support you might need.
A list of childhood cancer support services in Australia
A list of childhood cancer support services in Australia


Many people find cancer brings extra financial demands. Often income decreases while expenses increase.
Many people find cancer brings extra financial demands. Often income decreases while expenses increase.


Going through cancer treatment can lead to some very positive experiences in relationships, but the stress can also cause immense strain.
Going through cancer treatment can lead to some very positive experiences in relationships, but the stress can also cause immense strain.