Talking with kids about cancer during cancer month

Children are born curious and sometimes their questions are hard to answer. April is Cancer Month and children might be asking why people are wearing a daffodil pin. The Canadian Cancer Society has some tips for parents to explain what the flower represents.

• Explain that the yellow flower is called a daffodil and that person is wearing it because April is a special month when people across Canada support those who have cancer. That daffodil pin tells everyone that they gave some money to support the Canadian Cancer Society which helps people with cancer.

• Next you’ll need to explain cancer. Begin by saying that our bodies are made of up things called cells, and these cells have different jobs to do that help us grow and stay healthy. Like people, these cells must work together to get the job done. Sometimes some of the cells get sick and become troublemakers that get in the way of the work of the healthy cells. When the sick cells get out of control and crowd out the healthy cells, it leads to cancer. Special medicine and other treatment helps to get rid of the sick cells so that other cells can work well together.

• If the child would like to wear a pin, find out where to find one byvisiting the fightback.ca website.

 • If the child wants to support the cause, here are some ideas. Families can volunteer and raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Sign up on the fightback.ca website. Also show support by wearing yellow clothes, painting colourful signs that say “Fight Back Against Cancer. Make A Donation. Wear A Daffodil Pin.”