Fathers' Experience of Their Child's Paediatric Brain Tumour

Background

This exploratory study explores the impact of paediatric brain cancer on the experiences of the fathers from the time of diagnosis, while most studies have focused on the mothers.

Methods

The content of interviews conducted with six fathers of children who had brain tumours at the age of approximately 10 years was analysed using a qualitative methodology, following the COREQ guidelines.

Results

The fathers first talked about their feelings about the way the brain tumour affected their child and how he/she coped with the illness and treatments, and they also described the difficulties encountered. These French fathers likewise talked about their rights, their need to be listened to, and their wish to remain close to their child during treatment.

Conclusion

Improving communication with fathers during care and medical visits could help promote more balanced support for both parents in the vulnerable period of serious paediatric illnesses such as brain tumours.