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

Abstract
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.