Parenting experiences of women whose mothers were diagnosed with cancer: A qualitative study

The authors conducted this study to examine the parenting experiences of women whose mothers had been diagnosed with cancer using a qualitative phenomenological design. The research participants consisted of seven women who had at least one child and whose mothers had been diagnosed with cancer. The researchers collected data through semi-structured interviews and analyzed the findings using content analysis. The authors found that women experienced emotional burden, role conflict, and increased caregiving responsibilities while trying to maintain both maternal and daughter roles simultaneously. Research participants reported difficulties balancing childcare responsibilities and supporting their mothers during the illness process. In addition, the researchers observed that the process reshaped family relationships and perceptions of motherhood. As a result, the authors concluded that the parenting processes of women whose mothers were diagnosed with cancer are psychosocially affected, highlighting the importance of family-centered support for these women.