Parents' thoughts and perceptions on hearing that their child has incurable cancer.

BACKGROUND: Parents of children with incurable cancer face difficulties in making end-of-life decisions, and thus far, little research has been conducted on the thoughts and perceptions of these parents.

PURPOSE: The study aims to describe parental thoughts and perceptions when they hear that their child has incurable cancer.

METHODS: Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with 23 parents who had lost children to cancer. A constant comparative content analysis was also conducted.

RESULTS: Regarding parental thoughts, five categories emerged: "not allowing my child to die," "being compelled to continue cancer-directed/life-sustaining treatment," "wanting to put an end to my child's suffering and wanting him/her to be comfortable," "valuing my child's wish and dignity," and "wanting to be there for my child." However, some parents did not mention all five categories. Regarding parental perceptions of their children's condition, six categories emerged: "understanding change/deterioration of my child's condition," "recognition of my child's sufferings," "awareness of the possible death of my child," "no recognition of my child's impending death as reality," "avoiding facing my child's death," and "realizing the truth and coming to terms with the reality of death."

CONCLUSION: When parents were told that their child had incurable cancer, their first thought was to protect their child. Because thoughts and perceptions in such a situation vary across parents, health care professionals should support parents in realizing their thoughts and perceptions and in making decision as parents.