| Sumario: | Background & Significance: Among parents diagnosed with cancer and their co-parent caregivers, psychological distress related to parenting concerns is associated with lower quality of life and increased anxiety and depression. There is a critical need to better understand the parenting needs and concerns of less educated, under-resourced, and diverse families. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the parenting needs and concerns of under-resourced patients with advanced cancer and their co-parent caregivers. Methods: We conducted individual, semi-structured qualitative interviews with patients diagnosed with advanced cancer and their co-parent caregivers receiving care at a safety-net hospital. Descriptive, exploratory analysis was used. Findings and Interpretations: Patients (n = 11) were aged 39 to 48 years, and mostly female (n = 9), with a breast cancer diagnosis (n = 5). Caregivers (n = 7) were aged 23 to 69 years and mostly female (n = 6); three identified as the patient's spouse. Themes included communicating with children about parental cancer diagnosis (subthemes: importance of telling a child about parental cancer, consequences of not telling a child about parental cancer diagnosis, sharing information to manage expectations and build trust, using simple and age-appropriate language, and using spiritual support and family cohesion to support difficult conversations), effects of cancer on the family (subthemes: changes in family routines, changes in family responsibilities, and financial concerns), and need for resources to help with caregiving, parenting, and bereavement adjustment (subthemes: need for coping support, need for communication-focused training, and interest in speaking with a mental health professional). All participants were interested in speaking with a mental health professional and most were interested in a parenting support program. Discussion: Given the challenges experienced by parents living with advanced cancer and their co-parent caregivers, nurse-led family-focused supportive care interventions are needed to address communication needs and practical concerns, especially for under-resourced and less educated families.
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