One of the issues that cancer patients with minor or adolescent children face is whether to inform children about their cancer diagnosis. Their perspectives towards this issue are under-explored in China.

To explore Chinese cancer parents’ perspectives towards informing children of their diseases.

Eighteen cancer patients with children under-18 were recruited using purposive sampling. Semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted using a phenomenological approach. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s approach.

Six main themes with 2-6 sub-themes emerged: a) Inappropriate to disclose the true diagnosis to children; b) Appropriate to disclose the true diagnosis to children; c) Communication content between cancer patients and their children in regard to cancer; d)Attitude on ways of disclosing cancer diagnosis to children; e) Reflections on parenting style; and f) Unmet needs for information and support.

Perspectives of Chinese cancer parents towards truthfully disclosing their diagnosis vary, but all are for the purpose of protecting children. Study findings indicate that Chinese cancer parents have culture-specific considerations, such as concepts of death and filial piety, which differ from studies in western countries. Meanwhile, there are barriers between cancer parents and children in communicating about the illness and unmet needs for information and support.