Psychological Aspects of Childhood Cancer

Abstract

Dr Kellerman has put together a masterful book that should be required reading for any serious student of childhood cancer. Indeed, the title of the book may restrict its readership unnecessarily: the basic psychological principles discussed in many of the chapters, such as those dealing with reactions of adolescents, siblings, and families to severe illness and death, are very applicable to other situations as well. Those chapters on the psychological effects of special treatments (notably laminar airflow rooms and the issue of separation-deprivation), present excellent critical reviews of the current literature as well as solid clinical discussions based on extensive experience. In particular, the basically adaptive response of children to the protected environment may surprise, as it will certainly reassure, those professionals who are interested in using this form of therapy. As is true of much of the book, these well-documented and carefully critiqued chapters deserve repeated reading and thoughtful