The Lived Experience of Persons with Terminal Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aims to elucidate the life and death experiences of patients with terminal cancer. The researchers interviewed 18 terminal cancer patients, for a total 3,118 min. A psychophenomenological approach was used for analysis. Three themes were derived: a new appreciation for the gleam of an ordinary life after experiencing extreme suffering, a desire to at least pass away peacefully when sensing impending death, and a desire to remain useful to loved ones and other suffering patients like them. The novelty of this research derives from its finding that life and death are not in conflict and can lead to hope.

The lived experiences and caring needs of women diagnosed with cervical cancer: A qualitative study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

“…Women diagnosed with cervical cancer may experience a reaction to diagnostic results, isolation from community and family members, marriage break-ups, anxiety, sadness, and deterioration of health status [ 14 , 16 ]. Moreover, they experience stigmatization from community members because most community members had misconceptions about the disease [ 17 , 18 ], with significant others being physically isolated and not invited to various community events [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Distinct experiences and care needs of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG performance status: a qualitative phenomenological study

“…This is consistent with previous studies about the relationship between performance status, symptom burden, and disease stage. The ECOG PS is widely used and essential measure of the functional capacity of cancer patient, which is shown to correlate with clinical outcomes, treatment tolerance, and survival [ 11 ]. Patients with good ECOG PS generally have no or limited disease-related restrictions, despite the advanced cancer stage.…”

“…The second theme highlights the participants’ strong sense of independence in various aspects of their cancer journey, including self-care, care-related decision-making, and financial capacity. Their good ECOG PS may enable them to maintain functional autonomy and actively engage in daily activities and decision-making processes [ 11 ], who are either fully or partially self-sufficient in managing their daily living activities. This finding is significant as advanced cancer patients with good PS may require less assistance from family members and other informal caregivers.…”

“…The main reasons for employing CAM were to aid in suppressing tumor growth and alleviating symptoms. This finding highlights the diverse approaches that patients may take in searching for effective treatments, particularly where conventional therapies have limited efficacy or are associated with substantial side effects [ 11 ]. The limited diversity of CAM modalities suggests that the patients may lack awareness or accessibility to a broader array of CAM options, which is consistent with previous reports [ 30 , 31 ].…”

Communication Education in General Hospitals and Nurses’ Difficulties in Communicating with Patients at the Terminal Phase of Cancer

“…Based on the responses to interviews with patients at the terminal phase of cancer, patients did not view life and death as two opposing ideas, but are connected to hope, with the narrative of life having the narrative of death and the narrative of death having the narrative of life; therefore, it is necessary for nurses to actively discuss death with patients without being overly preoccupied. 29 In addition, the researchers clarified that the usual statements "I have to accept..." indicate the complex emotions of patients who try to accept the current situation that they cannot control, as well as the need to pay attention to the usually words expressed by these patients. 30 Based on these, communication education for nurses can reduce the fear of communication from the desire not to hurt patients or hurt themselves.…”