Lived experiences of parents of children and adolescents with cancer in Türkiye

Abstract

The purpose of the current study is to investigate the lived experiences of parents of children and adolescents with cancer in Türkiye. In this qualitative study which aimed to understand how having a child undergoing cancer treatment influences the parents, the participants talked about their experiences before the diagnosis, challenging experiences, sources of support, coping strategies and changes in their perspective. Ten parents whose children were between the ages of 7 and 17 and were diagnosed with any type of cancer at least three months ago were interviewed. The data emerged from the interviews were analyzed with the content analysis method. The findings of the study were presented under the headings of being a parent of a child diagnosed with cancer, challenging experiences, sources of support, coping strategies, and changes in perspective. The findings were examined in relation to the literature. Roles and practices of psychological counselors were highlighted. Limitations of the study were identified. Based on the results, recommendations were made for the professionals, policy makers, and researchers.