Uncertainty and Coping of Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

Abstract

Abstract

This study aimed to reveal the uncertainty and coping of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in order to gain insight about nursing support that helps patients independently face treatment and cope with uncertainty until its completion. Study participants were eight cancer patients undergoing curative radiotherapy for the first time. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, and the data obtained was qualitatively and inductively analyzed. Six main categories were identified for uncertainty experienced by cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy：“the existence of the radiation itself is amorphous,” “I can’t judge if radiotherapy is appropriate,” “the future course of treatment is unpredictable,” “treatment is too complicated to fully comprehend,” “it is hard to grasp my illdefined physical state,” and “I can’t control my situation.” For the patients’ forms of coping, six main categories were elicited as follows：“I interpret things in my own way,” “I collect information on my own,” “I intentionally avoid thinking about it,” “I shut up concerns inside myself,” “I continue the radiotherapy that needs to be done,” and “I sort out my feelings so I can be certain about the future.” This suggests that, in an uncertain situation, patients find meaning in continuing radiotherapy and repeatedly work to cope with uncertainty, thereby obtaining a new perspective on uncertainty.