Ep 316: Educating Teens About Cancer

Chadi Nabhan, author of The Cancer Journey, joins us to discuss
how parents can talk to their teenagers about cancer, understand
the common misconceptions, and best support teens when their
peers or family members face a cancer diagnosis.


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Full Show Notes


Cancer is a challenging topic for families to discuss, especially
when teenagers are involved. The fear, confusion, and
misinformation surrounding cancer can make these conversations
even more daunting. At some point, your teen might encounter a
peer, teacher, or friend's family dealing with a cancer journey,
and knowing how to communicate effectively about this sensitive
subject is crucial. Parents often grapple with questions: how
much should we tell our teens? How do we prepare our teenagers to
engage with peers facing cancer in their families?


To shed light on these difficult yet essential conversations,
we’re joined by Dr. Chadi Nabhan, a hematologist and medical
oncologist, experienced in both patient care and cancer
education. As the author of The Cancer Journey and host of the
Healthcare Unfiltered podcast, Chadi discusses his approach to
making complex medical topics accessible to a broad audience. His
career focus on simplifying cancer information makes him the
perfect guest for untangling this potentially overwhelming
subject.


In this episode, we delve into common misconceptions about
cancer, such as the belief that cancer is primarily hereditary,
and how these misunderstandings can impact conversations with
teens. Chadi explains that while genes can play a role, many
cancers develop without a family history, leaving individuals
puzzled by their diagnoses. We explore the idea of cancer as a
broad collection of diseases, each with unique characteristics
and treatment paths. This distinction is vital when discussing
potential impacts and prognoses with teens who may face
generalizations about cancer prognosis.


Communicating Effectively and Respectfully


Dr. Nabhan shares insights on preparing teenagers to have
compassionate conversations when a peer or their family members
are facing cancer. He emphasizes the importance of not dismissing
the severity of a cancer diagnosis, while also being respectful
of personal boundaries regarding how much information others are
willing to share. Teenagers should be encouraged to ask
respectful questions and offer support without pressure, perhaps
by simply being present or asking, “How can I help?”


Furthermore, Chadi offers advice for parents going through their
own cancer journey. He stresses the importance of timing and
transparency in sharing a diagnosis with teens, noting when it
might be best to wait before fully disclosing details, to gather
complete information first. Parents can involve teens in medical
appointments or calls to doctors, fostering involvement and
understanding and providing a foundation for open communication.


Empowering Teens with Knowledge and Compassion


Educating teens about preventable cancers linked to viruses, like
HPV, and the importance of vaccines as preventive measures are
also highlighted in the discussion. Understanding these factors
can empower teens with the knowledge to make informed health
decisions and support their friends thoughtfully.


By providing teens with the facts, helping them decode medical
jargon, and encouraging empathy, parents can foster more
meaningful and less fear-driven interactions surrounding cancer.


Further Exploration in the Episode...


Beyond the topics mentioned, the episode also covers:


The role of targeted therapies and research advancements.

How teens can cope with anxiety when they hear about cancer
diagnoses in the news or through friends.

Effective strategies for families to maintain open
communication channels about tough topics.



Don’t miss this insightful episode, and remember to subscribe to
Talking to Teens for more expert advice on navigating the teenage
years.





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.