Trends and Hot Spots in Cancer Family Resilience: A Bibliometric and Visualization Study.

Abstract

Problem identification: Cancer family resilience has become an important interdisciplinary focus in oncology, nursing, and psychosocial care. However, global development patterns, key contributors, and emerging trends have not been systematically examined.

Literature search: A bibliometric analysis of publications related to cancer, family, and resilience indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2008 to 2025 was conducted. Publication growth, journal distribution, country contributions, collaboration patterns, and keyword hot spots were examined.

Data evaluation: 944 records were identified. Publications and citations increased rapidly, particularly after 2020. Research output was concentrated; 84 journals published on this topic, but more than half published only one article. Publications came from 52 countries, led by the United States (257 articles) and China (250 articles).

Synthesis: Chinese work emphasized measurement of family resilience, psychosocial intervention, and support for patients and caregivers, and other countries' work more often addressed theoretical frameworks and longitudinal follow-up. High-frequency and emerging topics included family resilience, caregivers, quality of life, and financial toxicity.

Implications for research: Future work is expected to focus on vulnerable subgroups (e.g., adolescents, siblings, financially stressed families), use digital and artificial intelligence-supported approaches, and strengthen international collaboration to improve real-world support for patients and families.