Help with talking to your children about inherited cancer & their genetic risk
1. start talking early
It is best for children to learn about a genetic condition gradually throughout childhood. Make it into ‘Your Family’s Story’
2. Prepare for ongoing conversations
Talking about a genetic condition is not a one off conversation. Information will need to be given more than once, as your child gets older
3. Use props and tools
Genetics is complex especially when trying to be age appropriate for your children. Be child-led as some kids want to know more than others
watch this workshop
In this workshop Professor Alison Metcalfe, (Professor of Health Care Research at King's College London & Co-Founder of Loha) provides some communication tips for parents who want to start talking to their children about genetic risk
Or read this guide:
We love these tools
1. Kid’s guide to inherited cancer
Age appropriate information about cells, DNA, genes, and cancer. Easy images showing how we get genes from our parents, and that sometimes we can get faulty genes from them
2. ‘My family story’ activity
Create your own family story by filling in this booklet together with your children. You can refer back to it when needed so the information about your faulty genes is easily threaded throughout their childhoods.
3. making a family tree
Making a family tree can help children understand who they share genes with and who don’t.
4. inherited traits
A great way for kids to understand how genes are passed down from parents by finding out which parent gave them which trait, like tongue rolling!
what do kids understand about genetics?
Begin to understand there is a biological relationship between parent and child – e.g. same eye colour
UP TO 7 YEARS
8 -11 YEARS
Most understand the idea of hereditary, in terms of a disease being passed down through the family.
Understand that they may carry a gene that could affect their health, and begin to realise that implications for their own children. At this age, they may start to consider genetic testing themselves.
Most understand that if their parent carries a faulty gene, this may affect them as well.
12 - 14 YEARS
15 - 17 YEARS
18+ YEARS
Realise how it might influence their future, personal relationships and how their decisions relating to genetic testing had impact on other family members.
tips on starting the conversation
Keep it simple & age appropriate. Give small amounts of information at a time
Check the information they already have about genetics and inherited diseases
Be child-led and go at their pace – it is a process that takes time
Create a family story to use as a springboard for chats throughout childhood
Check their understanding and correct any misperceptions as you go along
Discuss while doing something else with your child, e.g. driving or cooking
Encourage your child to ask questions and answer as truthfully as possible
Make opportunities for continued discussion, e.g. what teens see on the internet
Reassure them that carrying a faulty gene is not the same as a cancer diagnosis
Talk about their emotions, and give reassurance that they are not alone
If you are struggling to answer their questions, think about contacting your local genetics centre to arrange an appointment for you and your child