Childhood cancers and health literacy

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to discuss the level and importance of health literacy for children and their parents with childhood cancers, based on current literature. Childhood cancers, nowadays defined as chronic diseases, are diseases that have difficulties for both these children and their parents. The health literacy level of these children and their parents has a special precaution in the processes related to these diseases. In the introductory part of the review, health literacy and childhood cancers are discussed, explaining why this group's level of health literacy is important. Then the scales used to measure the level of health literacy are evaluated. In addition, scales that can be used to assess the level of health literacy of this group are particularly noted. Finally, there are recommendations for raising health literacy levels of children and their parents with childhood cancers.