Abstract
Objective:
Parents living with and beyond cancer experience significant challenges from their illness and treatment which affect their ability to engage in parental roles and occupations. This study sought to provide in-depth understanding of the daily experiences of parents living with or beyond cancer.
Methods:
Forty-four adults living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis and parenting at least one child under the age of 18 years participated in semi-structured interviews to share their daily parenting experiences. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results:
Thematic analysis identified four primary themes (1) Cancer changes participation in daily occupations for self and others; (2) Cancer changes the ways parents engage in co-occupations with their children at different developmental stages; (3) Parents worry about the impact of cancer on their children, (4) Parents want help managing the impact of cancer on themselves, their children, and their families.
Conclusions:
Results highlighted daily challenges parents experience beginning at diagnosis and lasting through survivorship. Across age, gender, stage, and type of cancer, parents shared similar concerns that their diagnosis and associated challenges were negatively affecting their children. Parents highlighted a significant need for information and support to facilitate parenting. Results indicate an expanded role for occupational therapy in oncology care.
Plain language summary
This study sought to understand the daily experiences of parents living with and beyond cancer and identify gaps in knowledge and support for these parents and families. We interviewed forty-four parents (both mothers and fathers) who had been diagnosed with cancer in the last 10 years and had at least one child under the age of 18 years. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative methods. Results of this study provide insight into the effects of cancer on parents’ daily activities, concerns parents have for their children, and support parents wished they had received. Results also indicate an expanded role for occupational therapy in supporting everyday parenting roles and occupations.
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Supplementary Material
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