Abstract
Coping plays an essential role in maintaining the wellbeing of patients with cancer. A number of different coping responses and strategies have been identified in the literature. The value and relevance of meaning based coping theory has also been emphasised, including Antonovosky's Sense of Coherence (SoC) theory. Ten patients with advanced lung cancer were interviewed up to three times. A total of twenty in depth interviews were carried out, fully transcribed and data were analysed following a methodology of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three broad domains were identified to categorise the core life concerns of participants; making sense of and managing one's illness; maintaining daily life and relationships and confronting the future. Within these domains multiple coping themes are identified, which to varying degrees help to maintain patient wellbeing and quality of life. This article considers the relevance of SoC theory for understanding the coping experiences of patients with advanced cancer, and identifies resources and factors likely to support patient coping, with implications for health and social care services.
Highlights
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in the UK, with roughly two thirds of patients (67.9%) expected to die within a year of diagnosis (Cancer Research UK 2017)
Following ethical approval from the local NHS Research Ethics Committee, a total of ten participants were recruited from three sites which were participating in the trial
Three broad thematic domains were identified to describe the core life concerns and challenges experienced by participants; making sense of and managing one’s illness; maintaining daily life and relationships and confronting the future
Summary
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in the UK, with roughly two thirds of patients (67.9%) expected to die within a year of diagnosis (Cancer Research UK 2017). The morbidity and mortality associated with cancer and its treatment causes increased risk of distress and negative psychological outcomes (Link et al 2005, Lin and Bauer Wu 2004, Molassiotis et al 2011). These include confusion-bewilderment, depression-dejection, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, reduced concentration, feelings of irritation and boredom, frustration and disturbed sleep (Kuo and Ma 2002; Molassiotis et al 2011). Religious and spiritual approaches have been identified including faith, praying, acceptance of disease as God’s will and spiritual fighting (Taleghani et al 2012, Lin and Bauer Wu 2004, Link et al 2005)
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