A Family's Perception of Childhood Cancer Survivorship: A Case Study in Resilience

Research on families experiencing childhood cancer and life in remission has focused on negative outcomes and variables. Few studies have explored the process of family resilience through this type of adversity. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to describe the experiences of a family who has survived a paediatric cancer. The central question that informed the study is: What are the accounts of members of a family in dealing with childhood cancer and life in survivorship? One family was interviewed over several months and continued to assist in the data analysis and creation of the findings for this study. It was found that cancer subculture and online community support promoted resilience and adaptation for the family as they dealt with the demands and stress of childhood cancer and remission. Recommendations to the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation, healthcare professionals, and further research were discussed.M.A