Normally I'm upfront with kids. They pick up far more about what is going on around them than adults give them credit for. But I dunno at 7 and 4 if they're going to understand "cancer" and "death" before they have experience with it.
My kids were 7, 5, and 2 when we lost thier grandfather to a heart attack. Actually the man was dying of cancer, but the heart gave out before any really terrible cancer suffering.
We let the kids know what was going on but kept the details to ourselves unless they asked. It made for more pleasant visits for grandpa as well as the kids. But even prepared somewhat, his death devistated them.
It's a tough call, and in the end only you'll be able to judge if your kids will understand if you explain it to them.
Saying prayers for the family.
(((hugs)))
