The fight against cancer : parents´ experiences of living with a child who has cancer

Background: Cancer is a disease that brings many emotions along just by naming it. The onset is increasing annually. When a child becomes ill in cancer, the parents go through a difficult time while supporting their child throughout the treatment. The healthcare professionals need more knowledge about how to support the parents through this time. Aim: The purpose of the study was to describe parents' experiences of living with a child who has cancer. Method: A method designed by Friberg (2012), aimed to contribute to evidence-based care based on the analysis of qualitative research, was used. Analysis of 11 scientific articles were performed. The analysis resulted in six main categories and seventeen sub categories. Results: The main categories that emerged was: information is everything in the disease process, life changed radically, to manage the disease they need support from others, the fight against the disease, the nurse´s role in the meeting and a sea of emotions. Conclusion: From these categories, the parents' struggles became highlighted and explained. The healthcare professionals had a role in providing the best care available for the parents and child