Mothers’ experiences of having a daughter with breast cancer in Chinese families: A qualitative study

Objective: This study aimed to explore the psychological and emotional experiences, as well as coping strategies, of mothers of young women with breast cancer in Chinese families. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted from March to July 2025. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 16 mothers of daughters diagnosed with breast cancer at a tertiary hospital in China. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and reporting followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. Results: Four overarching themes were identified: (1) emotional turmoil, including shock, emotional suppression, guilt, self-blame, and persistent anxiety; (2) cultural silence and social withdrawal, reflected in linguistic avoidance, fatalistic interpretations of illness, and the protection of family privacy; (3) reconfiguring care and family roles, characterized by reactivated maternal caregiving and strengthened family cohesion; and (4) meaning-making in the face of illness, involving spiritual coping, preservation of memories, reframing life meaning, and efforts to balance caregiving with self-care. The findings suggest that mothers often experience substantial psychological distress shaped by Confucian familism, gender norms, and filial expectations. Conclusions: Mothers of patients with breast cancer in Chinese families experience profound emotional burden and role disruption, yet many also demonstrate resilience through family-centered and meaning-focused coping. Oncology nurses should provide culturally sensitive, family-oriented psychological support that addresses guilt, anxiety, and emotional suppression while strengthening coping resources and supportive communication.