Communicating cancer to children: Strategies and needs of parents with cancer. A qualitative study

Objectives. Communicating a cancer diagnosis to a child is a complex challenge for parents. This study aims to explore (1) the communication strategies and beliefs of parents with cancer when communicating with their children and (2) the needs of these parents. Methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents with cancer being treated at an Italian comprehensive cancer center and their healthy partners, when present. The interviews were analyzed through a constructivist approach using reflexive thematic analysis. The number of parents to be interviewed was not predetermined, but the meaning saturation procedure was followed. Results. Ten parents were interviewed, meaning saturation was reached at the seventh interview. Five themes were created: (1) the challenges parents faced at this sensitive time; (2) the emotions parents experienced; (3) the beliefs that may have influenced how they communicate the illness to their children; (4) the strategies parents used to communicate the illness to their children and (5) parents’ perception of their children’s understanding of the illness. Fifty-seven needs, often unmet, were also identified and were grouped into three categories: (1) “existential” needs; (2) support needs; and (3) needs related to continuing to be and act as parents. Significance of results. This study provides important insights for healthcare professionals to consider in order to better support and care for these parents.