A narrative review of parental experiences having a child diagnosed with cancer

Jaden Milner, Connie Schumacher

Abstract


Objectives: To explore current research investigating the lived experiences of parents having a child diagnosed with cancer. The overall goal was to synthesize a unique, holistic understanding of the parental experience, inclusive of all parent demographics and types of cancer. The purpose of this work is to better understand the lived experiences of parents in order to inform positive change in clinical practice.

Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and Brock University’s OMNI academic search tool in November 2023. Searches employed predefined key terms and were limited to publications from the past 10 years. Systematic reviews and review articles were included, while clinical trials and randomized controlled trials were excluded to align with a narrative, qualitative approach. Abstracts (n = 1,973) were manually screened against inclusion criteria. Eleven qualitative studies (n = 1,962 excluded) remained and were included in the final review.  

Results: A total of 11 articles representing 8 countries were included in this narrative review. Through conceptual and thematic analysis, four overarching themes were developed: Isolation, Covid-19 as a Uniting Factor, Focus on “the Now,” and Point of No Return. These themes reflect key dimensions of parental experiences during their child’s cancer journey, highlighting emotional, relational, and existential challenges as well as shared patterns of the adaptation period. 

Conclusion: Collectively these four themes offer a foundation for enhancing support for parents by deepening shared understanding of their lived experiences. Integrating this knowledge into oncology practice, particularly through education for nurses and interdisciplinary teams, may strengthen empathy and promote a more person-centred family care. Overall, these themes present an opportunity for the quality of oncology care and community supports to be improved, humanizing parental caregiver experience.

Keywords: experiences, cancer, oncology, parents, pediatric cancer, narrative inquiry, review

https://doi.org/10.5737/23688076364423


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References


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