The diagnosis of childhood cancer effects the family in several ways. There is a shift in family roles and family functioning, added family stressors, changes in marital quality (Long & Marsland, 2011). Two theories that will be applied in this section are family stress theory and family systems theory. With all the changes that happen during the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery/ or coping process of childhood cancer the family’s equilibrium is disrupted. This is the family’s natural urge to resist change. A diagnosis like this ultimately causes a ton of unwanted change. Childhood cancer can also effect the family’s hierarchy. This is the family’s system and sub systems such as the spousal role, parental role, and sibling roles. With there
