Empowering Japanese Mothers with Infants After a Cancer Diagnosis: A Qualitative Analysis

This study aimed to explore the empowerment of mothers in Japan who were diagnosed with cancer after giving birth. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five mothers who received a cancer diagnosis post-delivery. Participants discussed their experiences of cancer treatment, job, house tasks management, and child-rearing. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Six categories emerged:maintaining pre-diagnosis routines, reconciling cancer treatment with parenting, managing personal health while caring for children, controlling their own feelings, receiving social support from their networks, and continuing employment during treatment. The mothers managed their own lives along with caring for their children and emphasized maintaining their daily routines. They gradually had a sense of belonging to the cancer community and used their experiences to support others in similar situations. The findings suggested that nurses should support the maintenance of daily routines for these patients to foster a sense of consistency and belonging within the cancer community, thereby reducing isolation and facilitating liaison with other patients.