Background: Parental cancer is a growing problem characterized by disruption of the family nucleus. In this phenomenon, children are especially vulnerable to problems that persist far into adulthood if left unnoticed or untreated. This study aimed to explore the experiences of adolescents and young adults whose parents have cancer.
Methods: This study was conducted with a qualitative approach and content analysis method, in Iran in 2024. The total sample size included sixteen adolescents and young adults of parents with cancer selected by a purposive sampling method. Data collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using conventional content analysis.
Results: Data analysis revealed that the experiences of adolescent and adult adults of parents with cancer could be categorized into four main categories: 1) Emotional reactions, 2) Discovery and Confrontation with a parent’s cancer diagnosis, 3) Disruptions in Academic, Social, and Recreational Functions (Disruptions in Daily Functioning, and 4) Role Changes.
Conclusion: The experiences of offspring of parents with cancer are multidimensional. This can help devise educational and psychological support packages for them, which may be used by cancer support centers, hospitals, and patients' families. Further, these findings can contribute to cultural studies investigating this disease in different contexts.