Balancing intimacy, family life and cancer – A qualitative study on the impact of parental cancer on the couple relationship in couples with dependent children

Abstract

Purpose

In-depth exploration of how the couple relationship is affected by parental cancer in couples with dependent children.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a convenience sample of 17 parents with cancer who were in a couple relationship and had children aged 18 years or younger. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The content analysis resulted in three categories representing areas in the couple relationship that had changed following the cancer diagnosis: Altered communication; Adapting to new roles; and A change in sex life, intimacy and fertility. The results illustrate a significant increase in the need for constructive communication when couples face a range of emotionally-charged topics that were made difficult to talk about due to the children being present. The results also showed that the experience of cancer had forced couples to adapt to new roles in their relationship, and in the family, in order to manage the complex practical issues of simultaneously being parents and dealing with cancer. Lastly, both physical and psychological aspects of cancer had affected the couples’ sex life, intimacy and fertility including decreased sexual engagement and changed conditions impacting family planning.

Conclusions

Results highlight the specific areas that are challenging for couples facing cancer who are parents of dependent children. Couples may need support to cope with these challenges due to the complexity of parenthood when managing cancer as a couple.