Psychological Experiences of Terminal Cancer Patients with an Emphasis on Their Concerns and Needs: A Phenomenological Study

Terminal patients with advanced cancer have important and undeniable concerns as well as worries which may provide valuable information to care providers so that they can act for planning and care improvement based on their needs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychological experiences, especially concerns, needs and worries of these patients throughout the disease. In this research, a qualitative method with a descriptive phenomenological approach was employed. From amongst all cancer patients receiving palliative care for advanced cancer in Firoozgar hospital and Ala cancer control and prevention centre, eleven patients were chosen according to the targeted sampling method. Data collection was used with a semi-structured interview and data interpretation was done in Collizi method. The results of this study were categorised in five main clusters: “concerns about family and friends”, “socio-economic concerns”, “concerns about oneself”, “concerns regarding hospital staff, environment and medical treatment” and “spiritual and religious concerns” in addition to 34 sub-clusters. Being on the verge of death and diagnosed with cancer causes concerns, worries and needs in different dimensions of a person and their family’s life. If such aspects are neglected, a person’s well-being and quality of life will be disrupted. Recognition and emphasis on patients’ feelings, anxieties and concerns along with taking care of their needs may help them feel at peace and more confident in accepting this difficult situation.