Meaning Making for Psychological Adjustment and Quality of Life in Older Long-Term Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to explore in depth the meaning and meaning discrepancies among older Norwegian breast cancer survivors in light of the meaning making model by Park (2013).Design: We utilized a qualitative design collecting data using semi-structured interviews of 23 elderly breast cancer survivors 7–8 years after treatment. The interviews followed an interview guide structured along three main themes: “everyday life activities,” “follow-up-care experiences” and “health status and QoL.”Results: Several health problems were reported by the women in the aftermaths of the disease, such as sleeping problems, pain, and fatigue—including cognitive and emotional impairments. Meaning discrepancies were concentrated on six main themes: shifting perspectives and priorities, growing sense of autonomy, widening the limits of normality, dissociating oneself from the disease, embracing alternative health services, and feeling lucky. The women engaged in a wide range of coping techniques as efforts to change global meaning, and to develop a more positive view on the cancer experience. Common coping efforts across the six main themes were social comparison, denial, positive reappraisal, problem-focused coping, and revaluing ordinary events.Conclusion: Many cancer patients report on unmet needs for help with their meaning making, and the facilitation of meaning making processes is rarely included in the follow-up care of cancer survivors. The findings of the present study may help health care professionals provide care for women who have experienced breast cancer. The concrete knowledge of common coping efforts in the meaning making process may contribute to the development of future interventions and for gaining a deeper understanding for older survivors of breast cancer.

The Importance of Social Support, Optimism and Resilience on the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients

“…Many patients who overcame cancer find it difficult to go back to a new way of life, which can also impact their quality of life ( Götze et al, 2015 ). Patients’ quality of life is affected by specific factors related to the medical process, such as the specific treatment administered ( Marzorati et al, 2020 ), the location or type of cancer and the secondary effects derived from each treatment ( Gargantini and Martín Casari, 2019 ; Nilsen et al, 2021 ), as well as sociodemographic factors such as patients’ gender. Males tend to perceive higher quality of life than females ( Ayalon and Bachner, 2019 ).…”

Transition from disease to survival: accounts of adolescents who have experienced cancer

“…The literature shows that some people find more meaning in their lives after the cancer experience 31 ), ( 36 ), ( 37 ), ( 38 ), ( 39 . An existential meaning is sought, integrating the changes and creating a new self in the process of becoming a cancer survivor.…”

“…This search for meaning in life or process of creating meaning is linked with psychological well-being. Patients may develop the so-called “existential distress in cancer” as the “search for meaning” after experiencing a disease such as cancer 36 ), ( 37 ), ( 38 ), ( 39 . However, this process is only beneficial when meaning is found, while a search without finding a meaning can negatively affect the well-being of the survivor 39 .…”

“…Adolescent cancer survivors acquire new priorities in life, new values, and new philosophies after the disease. The cancer experience allowed them to understand the priceless value of life 28 ; the experience of childhood cancer made them understand the importance of new opportunities and experience the feeling of gratitude, encouraging them to seek a more meaningful life with clear goals 36 .…”

Exploring influencing factors in breast cancer survivors’ experience in Lebanon

“…Similar results were presented in two meta-analyses, one by Knobf (2011) on the psychological response of BCS and another by Park (2013) on spirituality and meaning-making. A recent study by Nilsen et al (2021) resulted that the BC experience led to a shift in meaning in life. BCS approached and understood life differently after having BC, which was one coping tool.…”