How Do I tell the children? Women's Experiences of Sharing Information About a Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

• Published in: Psycho-oncology (Chichester, England) Vol. 21; p. 14
• Main Authors: Asbury, N, Lalayiannis, L, Walshe, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.03.2012
• Subjects: Breast cancer; Interpersonal communication; Medical diagnosis; Mothers; Qualitative research; Radiation therapy
• ISSN: 1057-9249; 1099-1611

When mothers are diagnosed with breast cancer, one of their main concerns has been found to be communicating with their children. Parents find breaking the news about their diagnosis to their children a difficult and stressful task. While it is a challenge, it is an important strategy in helping the children cope with the parent's illness as good communication about a cancer diagnosis is known to facilitate adjustment. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the experiences of mothers in telling their children of their diagnosis. When, how and why they approached the subject of cancer and its treatment was explored. Emphasis was placed on difficulties they might have encountered and what help they feel they could have benefitted from by healthcare services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who had recently had a diagnosis of breast cancer and had completed adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy at least 6 months prior to the interview. The sample included 10 women who had children (2-19) living at home at the time of diagnosis. A thematic analysis was conducted on the interviews in order to derive major themes within the mothers' experiences. A model of strategies used by women to tell their children about their breast cancer diagnosis and treatment was then developed. These results will enable the development of guidelines and training packages for healthcare professionals to assist them in supporting women through advice, reassurance and opportunity for discussion.