I'm Here, Too: Being an Adolescent Sibling of a Pediatric Cancer Patient in Turkey

This study aimed to determine experiences and needs of Turkish adolescent siblings of children with cancer (SCC) and to identify if there is a country/culture-specific risk factor for these siblings. In this qualitative study hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used. Eighteen eligible siblings were selected purposively from two hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. Interviews were conducted with a semi-structured form. Content and thematic analyses were used to analyze the data. The data revealed three levels of themes. The main theme was based on “I am here, too”. From the first moment of diagnosis, siblings need to be visible and noticed by others. They seek ways to make sense of the disease as they experience dramatic changes in all aspects of their lives (high level themes - first encounter with the disease and changes in life). They expect their parents and relatives to support them (expectations) when they turn to various methods to cope with the changes (coping styles). The lack of protective psychosocial care is a basic risk factor for adolescent SCC in Turkey. Despite its various limitations, the strongest aspect of this study is that it is the first publication that determines the experiences of Turkish SCC in their own words. In addition to supporting recent findings about siblings' experiences, obtaining some country-specific findings is a strength of the present study. Providing psychosocial risk assessment of the siblings' immediately after diagnosis is necessary. It can be helpful to inform parents about the risks. •It is the first publication that determines the experiences of adolescent Turkish siblings of children with cancer.•The siblings' needs and expectations to be visible in this process somehow constitutes the framework of their experiences.•The lack of protective psychosocial care is a basic risk factor for siblings of pediatric cancer patients in Turkey.•In addition to the cancer process, health care professionals should be vigilant about other risks of siblings' own lives.•Planning interventional studies that address the needs of this group or creating peer support programs should be helpful.