How childhood cancer can affect the relationships between the parents

What is it about?

In this study, we interviewed parents who had the experience of having a child diagnosed and treated for cancer. We wanted to know how they thought this experience affected their relationship with each other as a parental unit. In some cases, the relationship had ended and in others not. Some of the children had been treated and cured and living with little to no side effects. Some were treated but living with moderate to severe side effects. Some of the children did not survive the cancer. The parents in this study help us understand what would be helpful to other parents undergoing this experience.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Curing cancer is only a part of the picture of childhood cancer. We need to understand how the experience affects children, families, and larger systems so that we can work to mitigate some of the suffering families endure during this difficult time.

Perspectives