Experiences and perspectives of suffering in cancer: A qualitative systematic review

Abstract

Purpose: Suffering refers to a situation in which a person’s illness and condition threaten their integrity. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize qualitative studies that explored suffering of persons with cancer. Method: A qualitative systematic review was conducted. Psych Info, PubMed, and CINAHL were searched for relevant studies. Methodological quality was independently assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklist from Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). A meta-aggregative approach was utilized to analyze and synthesize the data that focused on how persons with cancer perceive suffering across their illness trajectory. Results: Twelve articles reporting the experiences of 230 participants were synthesized. Three synthesized findings were generated from the articles: suffering the loss of normality, suffering in relation to others and existential suffering. Suffering affects the person’s normal activities of life and cause the loss of normality. Suffering in relation to others refers patients’ suffering also impacts on and is impacted by those around them. The last synthesized finding refers to impact of suffering on patients’ whole sense of being. In addition, feelings of hopelessness, and other mental anguish are inevitable responses that lead the patients to think about death. The overall methodological quality resulted in a ConQual rating of moderate for the synthesized findings. Conclusion: The persons’ suffering not only affects themselves but also others, particularly close relatives. The suffering experienced is complex and goes well beyond the immediate impact of physical symptoms and treatment.