Sweden and Finland need to improve the support provided for the siblings of children with cancer.

Evidence favours sibling support as a standard of care in paediatric oncology (1). Guidelines published in 1999 by the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (2) recommended involving siblings in the ill child's care and supporting siblings during and after the illness. Studies have shown that this is something that siblings want and need (3) and lack of support has increased the risk of long-term psychological distress (4). Sibling support varies between countries. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.