Navigating motherhood through the cancer care journey

Bray, Shameem

Navigating motherhood through the cancer care journey

Thesis / Dissertation

2026

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Public Health and Family Medicine

Faculty

Faculty of Health Sciences

Abstract

Background Breast and cervical cancers are the most diagnosed cancers among women in South Africa, and a substantial proportion of women diagnosed are mothers of dependent children. While cancer care is often framed through biomedical and health system perspectives, less attention has been paid to how motherhood shapes women's experiences of navigating cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This study explores how maternal identity, caregiving responsibilities, and relationships with children influence women's cancer care journeys in South Africa. Methods Drawing on intersectionality and the cancer care continuum, this a qualitative study drew on patient journey mapping with focus group discussions with women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer across three South African provinces. Results Twenty-four participants who were mothers were included in this study. Seven interrelated themes were identified: (1) navigating the health system as a mother; (2) motherhood, identity, and maternal responsibility; (3) guilt and perceived failure in mothering roles; (4) caregiving practicalities and childcare arrangements; (5) children as caregivers and role reversal; (6) economic and structural constraints; and (7) child-centred fear and anticipatory end-of-life concerns. Motherhood shaped illness interpretation, care-seeking, and treatment decisions, as women navigated caregiving pressures, guilt, and fear for their children within the context of health system barriers, financial strain, and limited support. In some cases, children assumed caregiving roles, introducing emotional complexity and role reversal. Conclusions Motherhood fundamentally shapes women's experiences of cancer care in South Africa, with illness experienced as a relational and moral disruption to caregiving identity and family stability amid intersecting structural barriers.