Background: Every year 250,000 children worldwide receive the unimaginable diagnosis of cancer. A cancer diagnosis inflicts a major impact on the family situation. They must deal with an entirely, both emotionally and socially new situation they are not prepared for. It is of great importance that the nurse has adequate knowledge to be able to provide the best possible care to the entire family.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the family members' experiences of losing a child in cancer.

Method: A method to contribute to evidence-based nursing with ground in analysis of qualitative research was performed to get a better understanding of families' experiences. An analysis of thirteen qualitative articles was carried out. The analysis resulted in five main themes and sixteen subthemes.

Results: The results of the study showed that families losing a child in cancer are having a heart-breaking time. They described combative feelings between hope and despair. The mothers often took care of the sick child at home and the fathers kept their minds busy while working. The families put all their own needs and sorrows aside. The siblings felt lonely since the parents took care of the sick child. After the passing, the family kept a bond to the deceased child through memories and dreams.

Conclusion: The families experienced a greater need of support from the nurses and the hospital staff, during the time when the child was sick and after the death.