Illness-related communication experiences of mothers of children with cancer during the end of life.

backgroundCommunication between parents and their dying child with cancer is crucial. Open and compassionate conversations about diagnosis and treatment help the child express fears, ask questions, and find meaning, while also allowing parents to share precious moments and create lasting memories. Although both parents play important roles, this study specifically focuses on mothers’ experiences. Mothers often serve as the primary caregivers and emotional anchors for their children, and their communication experiences during the end of life period are shaped by unique emotional, psychological, cultural, and situational factors. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the communication experiences of mothers of children with cancer during the end of life.

methodsA descriptive phenomenological design was used in this study. Participants were mothers whose children had passed away at least one year prior to the study. It was considered appropriate to conduct the interviews one year after the loss, allowing families time to move through the acute stage of grief. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, conducted either face-to-face or via online meetings, between May 2023 and August 2024. A total of 15 mothers participated in the interviews. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

resultsMothers’ experiences of communication were summarized into three main themes: “Decision of mothers about communication with children”, “Mothers’ coping strategies regarding communication challenges” and “Mothers’ expectations of healthcare professionals’ communication”.

conclusionsIt has been determined that mothers do not want to talk about their diagnosis and prognosis with their children with cancer in Turkey’s culture. The findings highlight that mothers avoided discussions about diagnosis and prognosis to preserve hope, avoid emotional distress, and protect their children from the concept of death. These communication decisions were also shaped by a strong reliance on spirituality and peer support rather than professional psychological services. Mothers expressed clear expectations from healthcare professionals empathetic, and hopeful communication practices. Therefore, the study underscores the importance of integrating cultural values into end of life care practices, training healthcare providers in respectful and compassionate communication, and developing protocols that support both families’ coping strategies and emotional needs.