The Process of Long-term Cancer Survivors Seeking Meaning to Live

Abstract

Abstract

This research is intended to clarify the process of events that long-term cancer survivors face and how they find meaning to live. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Data was analyzed by the revised grounded theory approach. The subjects were seven patients who were informed of their diagnosis.

The results showed that the process of the patients finding meaning for their lives changed “awareness of the time remaining” and accordingly this process brought forth to “seeking value in one’s existence” continually. There were three steps involved in “seeking value in one’s existence.” The steps were “seeking motivation to find value in one’s existence”, “testing the value of one’s existence” and “confirming the value of one’s existence.”

The cancer survivors felt that the value of their existence was shaken due to their disease and the uncertain time left for them. They sought meaning for their lives by establishing relationships with people who have found new value for their existence as well as facing their inner selves.

It can be predicted that the chronic period of cancer survivors will be prolonged more than ever due to the increase in the survival rate. Therefore it is important to provide nursing services and a social system that supports and enables chronic cancer survivors living in the community to cope with difficulties or problems on their own.