“It's been a life‐changing experience!” A qualitative study of young adult cancer survivors’ experiences of the coexistence of negative and positive outcomes after cancer treatment

Abstract

The aim of this study was to illuminate the coexistence of negative and positive experiences of young adult cancer survivors after cancer treatment. Using an interpretive descriptive design, 20 young adult cancer survivors were interviewed. The participants stated that the cancer was a life‐changing experience followed by both negative and positive outcomes. The range of negative outcomes was identified in the main theme “the cancer still hampers me,” subdivided into three subthemes “impaired function and changed body,” “intrusion of thoughts and feelings” and “negative impact on relationships.” Simultaneously, the informants experienced positive outcomes identified in the main theme “I have acknowledged what's important in life,” where “a changed perspective,” “personal growth” and “the significance of close relationships” were important facets. The findings indicate that young adult cancer survivors need close and sustained follow up with screening and tailored interventions to minimize negative physical, emotional and social outcomes. In addition, actions that promote positive outcomes such as increasing social support, prioritizing close relationships and facilitating positive changes in values and life goals should be fostered during the entire cancer trajectory.

Identification of Evidence for Key Positive Psychological Constructs in Pediatric and Adolescent/Young Adult Patients with Cancer: A Scoping Review

“…Some specific areas of growth mentioned were improved self-reflection, 52 clearer life purpose, 53 a positive new identity, 54 , 55 overall maturation, 56 and increased empathy. 57 Faith in God and spiritual struggles played a significant role in patient personal growth, 58 , 59 mostly by allowing patients to adapt to or comprehend their disease. Social support systems helped promote growth in patients with cancer.…”

“…No factors were found that decreased gratitude. The three predominant factors that increased gratitude were: having and surviving cancer, 55 , 57 , 148 peer support, 103 , 149 and a strong relationship with their health care provider. 110 , 150 Cancer was described as helping patients appreciate the small things in life.…”

“… 110 , 150 Cancer was described as helping patients appreciate the small things in life. 57 Family selflessness was important for cancer patients, with one cancer patient describing how newfound fatherly affection made them the most grateful. 103 Moreover, when health care providers made time for patients and treated them as individuals, gratitude increased.…”

Cancer-related cognitive impairment in survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer: A scoping review

“…By far the most common theme across articles was that cognitive complaints are associated with difficulties in role functioning 27,35,39,41,44,50,[52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59] . Survivors commonly reported worse concentration, memory, and attention 33,34,40,44,47,52,53,58 and were concerned about the negative impacts of these deficits on employment and education 27,39,40,47,53,58,59 .…”

Clinicopathological Variants of Breast Cancer in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan

“…The global medical lexicon has come a long way in terms of diagnosing and treating different diseases but we have yet to overcome cancer in its advanced stages which often proves fatal. 1 The Latin word 'cancer' literally means a 'crab' owing to the finger-like projections, more formally known as spicules, seen mostly in microscopic analysis of solid malignant tumors. The World Health Organization (WHO) states cancer as the second leading cause of death globally as nearly one in every six deaths is due to this disease.…”