The experience of persistent pain in adult cancer survivors: A qualitative evidence synthesis

Abstract

This qualitative evidence synthesis aimed to identify, review and synthesise qualitative research describing the experience of persistent pain in adult cancer survivors. A systematic literature search was conducted between December 2007 and June 2019. Data synthesis followed Thomas and Harden's (2008) method of thematic synthesis. Four studies were identified, together incorporating findings from 52 female breast cancer survivors. Six themes were generated as follows: (a) interwoven relationship between experience of cancer and persistent pain, (b) lack of preparedness and support for persistent pain, (c) physical impact of persistent pain, (d) employing coping strategies, (e) emotional experience of persistent pain and (f) conceptualisation of persistent pain. Persistent pain is intrinsically interwoven with women's experiences of cancer. Persistent pain was unexpected, and women did not feel supported. Women need more information about persistent pain after cancer treatment and support with self-management of pain. Ways to best support cancer survivors with persistent pain need exploration and a review of currently available services is required. More research is needed to understand the experiences of men and other cancer groups.