New Research Supports Siblings of Children with Cancer
(Brewer, Me) – When a child is diagnosed with cancer, this news is not only devastating for the child and the parents, but many siblings are suddenly thrust into a world of life-changing experiences that leave a lasting impression. Although many excellent resources exist within our hospitals for families of children with cancer, sometimes siblings feel alone and neglected. New research at The Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health is intended to identify early signs of poor adjustment and post-traumatic stress in the siblings of children with cancer, in an effort to help siblings cope during this difficult time.
Sandra Sigmon, PhD, and Marie Hayes, PhD, professors of Psychology, University of Maine, and affiliated senior scientists at the Institute, are investigating how Super Sibs!, a national program dedicated to supporting brothers and sisters of children with cancer, helps a child cope. They hope to identify factors that lead to an increase in distress. Professors Sigmon and Hayes say that such an increase in distress might put a sibling at higher risk of developing serious illness in the future. Because of this, it is important to lower risks of post-traumatic stress symptoms in brothers and sister of children with cancer.
Prof. Sigmon explains, “We find there is a direct relationship between stress and immune function. Although adaptations to stress may vary, we are concerned with the child’s immune vulnerability and the possible link between stress and disease.”
This pilot study, which has been approved by the Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC), University of Maine, and United States Department of Defense Institutional Review Boards, will follow children over an eight month period, interviewing siblings and parents. Resiliency and signs of how well the siblings are adjusting will be analyzed. The Institute hopes the findings of this research will help in research on post-traumatic stress disorder among other groups such as military veterans.
“No matter what we find, this research will be helpful, “says, Prof. Hayes, “Having the opportunity to study psychological adjustment from the time of the trauma prospectively is a unique aspect of this study, and will offer the scientific community invaluable data for further research on post-traumatic stress.”
Families with newly diagnosed children with cancer, who would like hear more about this project for their well child, can call (207) 581-2059 or toll free (866) 519-2822.
The Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health was founded by EMHS, EMMC, University of Maine, and The Jackson Laboratory. The Institute conducts translational research to facilitate innovations and discoveries which improve medical care and help resolve health challenges in Maine’s rural communities. The Institute’s primary research programs target cancer; the Institute also hosts the state-wide Maine Neurogenetics Consortium.