The impact of maternal breast cancer diagnosis on the mother-child relationship: an updated systematic review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) can greatly affect a patient's well-being and have life-changing impacts on family dynamics. A previous systematic review (Tavares et al ., 2018) examined changes to the mother-child relationship and indicated that the diagnosis of BC is accompanied by challenges that affect mother-child relationship roles and parenting. This study aimed to update this systematic review with new studies gathered over the past decade to further evaluate the impact of a BC diagnosis on mother-child relationships.

RECENT FINDINGS: A total of 68 studies met the inclusion criteria (20 quantitative, 44 qualitative, and 4 mixed-methods), of which 52 studies (76%) found that mothers with BC experienced relationship challenges. Concerns about their children appeared in 51 studies (75%), and 67 studies (99%) discussed the emotional impact on the mother and child. Additionally, 31 studies (46%) discussed the children's role adjustments and increased responsibilities after a maternal cancer diagnosis. Finally, the mother's opinion or approach to communicating her diagnosis was explored in 53 studies (78%).

SUMMARY: The diagnosis of BC significantly affects the mother-child relationship through changes in parenting style and the emotional well-being of children. Given that the evidence suggests the importance of support systems for mother-child relationships post-diagnosis, further research is needed into interventions such as patient education.