Exploring adolescents’ psychosocial experiences when affected by parental pancreatic cancer: a qualitative study protocol

Objectives/Purpose: This study aims to explore the psychosocial experiences of adolescents in the UK who have had a parent diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Parental cancer can have a profound impact on adolescents (aged 10-19 years) as it is a critical development period marked by a desire for independence from family, and they have heightened emotional and cognitive capacity to understand their parent’s pain. Pancreatic cancer is the least survivable cancer in the United Kingdom (UK), and the only cancer with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. It is known for its rapid disease trajectory and severe symptom burden, with individuals often dying within weeks of diagnosis. Early-onset pancreatic cancer incidences are rising and therefore growing numbers of individuals with pancreatic cancer likely have adolescent children. Adolescents whose parent has an incurable cancer often face heightened difficulties, such as more intense and urgent support needs. Yet, adolescent experiences of parental pancreatic cancer have not been explored. Sample and Setting: Approximately 15 young people aged 10-24 years in the UK, who have experienced parental pancreatic cancer when they were an adolescent, will be interviewed. The adolescents’ parents will also be interviewed to explore how parents perceive their adolescent children's experiences. Procedures: This study will employ a multi-perspectival interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Findings will inform a participatory action phase which will utilise the World Café method to engage key stakeholders to collaboratively identify solutions to improve psychosocial support in this area. Results: The research will be the first to provide rich, in-depth insights into the psychosocial experiences of adolescents affected by parental pancreatic cancer, from both adolescent and parent perspectives. Conclusion and clinical implications: Findings will contribute to understanding of adolescents’ psychosocial experiences, subsequently informing policy and practice recommendations to promote support for adolescents impacted by parental pancreatic cancer.