Background:

Every year 3000-4000 children in Sweden loses a parent due to accident and illness which means that every day nine children suffer from losing one of the most important person in their life. Cancer is expected to increase from 14 million to 22 million over the next two decades, in the future it will become increasingly common for nurses to meet a child whose parent has cancer. Aim: The aim of this study was to illuminate children's experiences of having a parent diagnosed with cancer. Method: A literature-based study based on eight articles from the databases Cinahl and ProQuest was chosen, read, reviewed and analyzed according to Friberg's analyzing model. Results: Five themes with 11 sub-themes emerged; "Feeling need of support", "The world turns upside down", "Cancer is equal to death", "Changed outlook on life" and "Putting words into feelings". According to young people's perspective the crisis resulted in a positive way of life. Conclusion: Children's anxiety and fear is the greatest when the parent get the diagnosis and future forecast. It is important to provide a safe support since the children's world is turned upside down.