Young adults with cancer: the effect of the illness on parents and families

This article is based on the findings from a qualitative study involving a collection of narratives written by the parents of young adults with cancer. It examines the effects of the illness on parents and family and illustrates that young people aged 18-25 years face particular difficulties when diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The article focuses on how these difficulties are experienced by the parents of young adults who are attempting to maintain 'normality' and perhaps also manage newly established sexual relationships. The article considers the problems for parents, e.g. the ownership of medical information when the young adult is of age but dependent on his/her parents, the effect on siblings and the financial implications of the illness for the family. A gap in the knowledge of professionals and families relating to these effects may result in families believing that the acute problems they face are caused by their particular family dynamics rather than the life-stage of their young adult children.