André von Bueren, a senior lecturer in the Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the Faculty of Medicine within the Cansearch Research platform for pediatric oncology and hematology, senior consultant for children and adolescents with brain tumours, and haematologist-oncologist at the HUG, has been awarded a significant grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). Together with Gisela Michel from the University of Lucerne, he will lead the "FINESSE" project, which aims to better understand the emotional and social needs of fathers after their child has been diagnosed with cancer.

Combining paediatric oncology, clinical psychology and health psychology, the research team will conduct surveys and interviews to monitor the mental and physical health of fathers during and after their child's treatment. "When a child has cancer, the whole family dynamic is disrupted," says André von Bueren. "Very often, mothers focus on care, fathers on financial responsibilities, and both must also find a balance between childcare, the needs of siblings, relationships with their partner and their job. " While research in psychosocial oncology has been conducted with mothers, data on fathers remains very limited, particularly in non-English-speaking contexts. 

"Our goal is to better understand fathers' feelings and needs to offer specific responses," adds André von Bueren. "The challenges they face and the social perception of their role during their child's illness are not the same as those of mothers." The aim of the project, which will include research partners throughout Switzerland, is therefore to develop the first Swiss evidence-based recommendations to improve support for fathers. The proposed measures must be pragmatic, reflect cultural differences and be based on both clinical expertise and lived experience.