My study explored parents' experiences of being supported with making decisions when their child has cancer, with a particular focus on looking at the support from parents' social networks or 'significant others' (for example friends and extended family members). 

We know that parents are faced with making decisions about their child's cancer care and that this can feel very stressful. Previous research had explored how parents can be supported with making these decisions by Health Care Professionals, and also how their children may be involved in these decisions. 

However over my years of working in clinical practice and from other experiences in my life, I became aware that sometimes parents had conversations about these decisions away from their team of Health Care Professionals. It is important to understand parents' experiences of being supported by their network of family and friends. It is hoped that raising awareness of this will inform the way that Health Care Professionals offer support to parents in the future, and help the general public know how to support people that they know going through situations like this.