Study of Life Expectancy Factors in Cancer Patients with Islamic Lifestyle Focus

Cancer is an incurable disease that causes deep anxiety in patients and affects their life expectancy. Given that the dominant culture in Iran originate from Islam, the purpose of this research is study of life expectancy in the shadow of Islamic lifestyle.

This is a qualitative study and was done by Phenomenology method. Data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews with 18 cancer patients in Tehran. This study was conducted by using the targeted sampling and then data analysis was performed by content analysis method.

The data show the common themes such as positive attitude, faith in God, family and social relationships are common themes for life expectancy in two groups, that these commonalities can be considered due to their presence in the same community and under the influence of the same teachings.

The results indicate the fundamental and effective role of beliefs, family and positive thinking in increasing life expectancy of cancer patients.