Relations in young adults with cancer: acknowledging partners and friends as caregivers-a Danish national study.

PURPOSE: This study explored relational experiences among young adults with cancer and their self-chosen caregivers (friends and partners) across the cancer trajectory.

METHODS

A national, multicentre qualitative study was conducted in oncology and haematology settings at all five Danish University Hospitals. Individual semi-structured interviews were undertaken with young adults with cancer (diagnosed when aged 18-39 years) and their self-chosen friends or partners as caregivers. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and reported in accordance with COREQ.

RESULTS

Nine young adults with cancer (aged 23-36 years) and 13 informal caregivers (aged 22-34 years) participated (partners n = 7, friends n = 6). Three themes were identified: (1) Holding on to Normality in a Youth Life on Pause, young adult with cancer and caregiver dyads created "breathing spaces" through everyday routines while navigating disruptions in body, mood, and participation in youth contexts; (2) Navigating Help, Needs, and Boundaries, young adults with cancer and their caregiver balanced requesting and offering support, preferred concrete help, and engaged in mutual protection, with professional support rarely accessed; and (3) Shifting Roles in the Relationship, relationships evolved toward "love and logistics", and support was organised in changing circles of closeness, with friends often occupying an "in-between" position.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer in young adulthood emerges as a relational phenomenon. Acknowledging partners and friends as caregivers, and fostering communication, boundary setting, and role negotiation, may reinforce dyadic coping processes and support the continuity of everyday life.