Navigating family life in the face of parental cancer: a qualitative study

Parental cancer can significantly impact family dynamics, particularly for adolescents and young adults (AYAs), who face the developmental task of balancing autonomy and connectedness. As cancer incidence rises globally, more AYAs are confronted with the challenges of parental illness. While most research focuses on individual psychological outcomes, less is known about how families function as a unit under such stress. This study aimed to gain deeper insight into family functioning, with a specific focus on autonomy, connectedness, and communication, in the face of parental cancer.

We conducted an exploratory qualitative study using thematic analysis. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with eight families (13 parents, 14 AYAs) in which one parent had been diagnosed with cancer. The interview design included separate interviews with parent(s), child(ren), and a joint family interview.

Thematic analysis yielded three main themes: children's struggle between personal space and family life, barriers and opportunities in family communication, and redefining connectedness. These themes illustrate how families attempt to balance autonomy and connectedness and the role of communication in this.

Families facing parental cancer develop different ways to balance autonomy and connectedness. In some families, strong emotional attunement naturally supported this balance, even in the absence of open communication. Others struggled more with these dynamics. Practical strategies such as maintaining meaningful activities, doing activities that foster open communication, humor, and involving children in the medical process can support family resilience. When emotional attunement does not arise naturally, family-based interventions may help strengthen these processes.