Mothering While Living With Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study on Challenges, Needs and Interactions With Health Care

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among women in Sweden, and 20% of cases are women younger than 50 years. For many of these women, the diagnosis occurs during a period of active parenting, when they are responsible for the emotional and practical care of young children. This dual burden, coping with a life‐threatening illness while maintaining a caregiving role, can lead to increased emotional strain, altered family dynamics and challenges in communication and support. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the parenting experiences of women with breast cancer who have minor children, focusing on challenges, needs and interactions with the healthcare services. Methods: A self‐selected sample of 131 mothers, living in Sweden, aged 25–60 years, who were diagnosed within the past five years participated. Participants were recruited via social media, patient organizations and oncology clinics. An online questionnaire was used to collect data between January and May 2023, which consisted of, among other things, sociodemographic information and an open‐ended question about parenthood. The responses to the open‐ended question were analysed using conventional content analysis. Results: The analysis resulted in five categories: a significant impact on mothering and an increased emotional burden; challenges in communication within the family; a broad range of experiences of healthcare support from significantly lacking to positive experiences; the need for emotional and practical support from family, partners, relatives and school and the emotional and social impact on the children. Conclusion: The findings highlight that there is a clear need for more accessible and structured support from the healthcare services to address the unique needs of mothers with breast cancer and their children, ensuring better communication, psychosocial care and practical assistance throughout the illness trajectory.