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Purpose <p>This study explored relational experiences among young adults with cancer and their self-chosen caregivers (friends and partners) across the cancer trajectory.</p> Methods <p>A national, multicentre qualitative study was conducted in oncology and haematology settings at all five Danish University Hospitals. Individual semi-structured interviews were undertaken with young adults with cancer (diagnosed when aged 18–39&#xa0;years) and their self-chosen friends or partners as caregivers. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and reported in accordance with COREQ.</p> Results <p>Nine young adults with cancer (aged 23–36&#xa0;years) and 13 informal caregivers (aged 22–34&#xa0;years) participated (partners <i>n</i> = 7, friends <i>n</i> = 6). Three themes were identified: (1) Holding on to Normality in a Youth Life on Pause, young adult with cancer and caregiver dyads created “breathing spaces” through everyday routines while navigating disruptions in body, mood, and participation in youth contexts; (2) Navigating Help, Needs, and Boundaries, young adults with cancer and their caregiver balanced requesting and offering support, preferred concrete help, and engaged in mutual protection, with professional support rarely accessed; and (3) Shifting Roles in the Relationship, relationships evolved toward “love and logistics”, and support was organised in changing circles of closeness, with friends often occupying an “in-between” position.</p> Conclusions <p>Cancer in young adulthood emerges as a relational phenomenon. Acknowledging partners and friends as caregivers, and fostering communication, boundary setting, and role negotiation, may reinforce dyadic coping processes and support the continuity of everyday life.</p>

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Relations in young adults with cancer: acknowledging partners and friends as caregivers—a Danish national study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月30日

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  • Marie Ernst Christensen,
  • Helle Enggaard,
  • Helle Pappot,
  • Lise Bjerrum Thisted,
  • Laura Ingrid Braad Carstens,
  • Anne Katrine Hartmann Søby,
  • Tine Lykke,
  • Mathilde Laura Kærgaard Johansen,
  • Mette Buur Bergmann,
  • Maiken Hjerming,
  • Karin Piil,
  • Louise Hennings Jespersen,
  • Anette Borup Simonsen,
  • Elizabeth Rosted,
  • Line Bentsen

摘要

Purpose

This study explored relational experiences among young adults with cancer and their self-chosen caregivers (friends and partners) across the cancer trajectory.

Methods

A national, multicentre qualitative study was conducted in oncology and haematology settings at all five Danish University Hospitals. Individual semi-structured interviews were undertaken with young adults with cancer (diagnosed when aged 18–39 years) and their self-chosen friends or partners as caregivers. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and reported in accordance with COREQ.

Results

Nine young adults with cancer (aged 23–36 years) and 13 informal caregivers (aged 22–34 years) participated (partners n = 7, friends n = 6). Three themes were identified: (1) Holding on to Normality in a Youth Life on Pause, young adult with cancer and caregiver dyads created “breathing spaces” through everyday routines while navigating disruptions in body, mood, and participation in youth contexts; (2) Navigating Help, Needs, and Boundaries, young adults with cancer and their caregiver balanced requesting and offering support, preferred concrete help, and engaged in mutual protection, with professional support rarely accessed; and (3) Shifting Roles in the Relationship, relationships evolved toward “love and logistics”, and support was organised in changing circles of closeness, with friends often occupying an “in-between” position.

Conclusions

Cancer in young adulthood emerges as a relational phenomenon. Acknowledging partners and friends as caregivers, and fostering communication, boundary setting, and role negotiation, may reinforce dyadic coping processes and support the continuity of everyday life.