“I Want to Cry, but I Have to Be Strong for My Child…” Challenges and Support Needs of Parents Caring for a Child Diagnosed With Cancer: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: Childhood cancer profoundly affects the entire family. Parents experience substantial emotional, physical, and social burdens while managing their child's treatment and maintaining family life. Amid uncertainty, fear, and helplessness, they often neglect their own needs. Understanding parents' challenges and support needs is, therefore, essential for developing holistic, family-centered care. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the challenges and support needs of parents caring for children diagnosed with cancer. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative design was used. Parents of children with cancer hospitalized in a university pediatric hematology unit were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected from 19 parents via face-to-face, semistructured interviews conducted between August and December 2024, until data saturation. Content analysis was performed. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability, and reporting followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. RESULTS: The findings were grouped under 4 main themes: Challenges experienced, empowerment and coping strategies, support needs, and changes in family dynamics. CONCLUSION: Parents of children with cancer experience significant emotional burden, uncertainty, and social challenges, highlighting the need for psychosocial support, regular information, and coordinated care throughout treatment. Family-centered approaches, structured care coordination, and continuous communication are essential to strengthen parental coping and family cohesion. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Healthcare professionals, particularly pediatric nurses, should routinely assess parents' support needs and provide empathic, holistic, family-centered care. Access to psychological counseling, structured informational support, and collaboration with social services for emotional and financial assistance should be integrated into care processes.