Navigating Parenthood in the Shadow of Cancer: A Scoping Review of Healthy Parents' Experiences.

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review aimed to investigate the current knowledge regarding healthy parents' experiences of parenting children and young adults in families affected by parental cancer.

METHODS

Following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, a systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Eligible studies included qualitative and mixed-methods research involving healthy parents of children and young adults (0-28 years) in families where the other parent was diagnosed with cancer, without restrictions on publication year. Studies involving healthy partners of patients in curative and palliative stages were included. Screening was performed independently by two researchers, and data were charted and synthesized, following the thematic analysis approach of Braun and Clarke.

RESULTS

Of 3,652 screened articles, 21 articles met the inclusion criteria; qualitative (n = 19), mixed-methods (n = 1), and a qualitative PhD dissertation (n = 1). Four themes emerged: (1) Family Dynamics and Relationships, (2) The Emotional Impact of the Healthy Parent, (3) Coping Strategies and Illness Adaptation, and (4) Support Systems and Everyday Challengers.

CONCLUSION

Healthy parents in families affected by parental cancer play a pivotal role in sustaining family functioning during parental cancer. They experience dual burdens of caregiving and parenting and emotional strain, including insufficient support. Their unmet needs may compromise their parenting capacity and family well-being, underscoring the importance of integrating healthy parents' experiences into family-centered health care and support structures and services.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: While healthy parents carry the dual responsibilities of caregiving and parenting during parental cancer, their needs and perspectives are often overlooked in oncological care. Recognizing and addressing their needs are essential to protect their parenting capacities and the family's well-being. Integrating healthy parents into family-centered care may enhance experienced resilience and strengthen support for the whole family.