Perceptions of death and loss in adolescents experiencing non-terminal maternal cancer: A qualitative secondary data analysis

A diagnosis of parental cancer, even not terminal, can have a significant and adverse impact on adolescent mental health. Research comparing youth experiencing parental cancer with those experiencing parental death identified that while adolescents experiencing parental cancer showed lower levels of posttraumatic stress disorder, but both groups exhibited similar levels of depression and anxiety. In this study we explored the perceptions and experiences of death and loss in adolescents dealing with nonterminal maternal cancer. A qualitative secondary thematic analysis was carried out with 15 interviews of adolescents between 14 and 20 years of age, both males and females. Their mothers had been diagnosed with cancer between 10 and 29 months previous to the interview. The analysis yielded 4 overarching themes. Life would never be the same describes how cancer was associated with death and adolescents’ perceptions were challenged. The emotional challenges of maternal diagnosis details changes in adolescents’ thoughts and emotions, introducing fear and uncertainty which was challenging. The Systemic change in adolescents’ lives narrates the loss of family dynamics, priorities, roles and responsibilities. The symbolic loss of maternal cancer, shows how nonterminal cancer led to significant loss in adolescent sense of control, privacy and education. Maternal cancer affected adolescents lives and relationships in such a way that life was changed forever as a result. Maternal cancer has a profound effect on loss and grief in adolescents, even though cancer was nonterminal. Therefore, these experiences must be validated and appropriate supports provided.