Families and childhood cancer: An exploration of the observations of a pediatric oncology treatment team.

The authors propose that families facing childhood cancer inadvertently become part of a distinct cultural group. To better train clinicians working with these families, this study was conducted as a phenomenological exploration of the common experiences of those who work with, and participate in, this "culture of cancer" (i.e., members of a pediatric oncology treatment team that includes medical family therapists). Two primary themes emerged from the data: culture of change and relationships. A qualitative description of medical family therapists as part of the treatment team was also developed. Insight into this culture and recommendations for family therapists working in this area of practice are provided.