Patient-reported emotional responses and coping mechanisms in cancer recurrence: a systematic review of qualitative evidence.

purposeThis systematic review aimed to synthesize qualitative evidence on the emotional experiences and coping strategies of patients facing cancer recurrence. The study sought to answer: How do patients experience and cope with cancer recurrence, and what factors influence their emotional and coping responses?

methodsA systematic search was conducted across CINAHL, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, and Medline databases for qualitative studies published between January 2013 and December 2023. Eight qualitative and mixed-methods studies met the inclusion criteria. The data were analyzed using thematic synthesis, and the findings were evaluated using the GRADE-CERQual framework.

resultsThe analysis revealed six primary emotional experiences: shock and disbelief, fear and anxiety, sadness and grief, anger and frustration, isolation and loneliness, and hope and resilience. Patients employed diverse coping strategies, including information seeking, maintaining hope, utilizing social support, engaging in physical activities, using complementary therapies, emotional expression, information avoidance, goal setting, and accessing psychological support. The study also identified various personal and contextual factors that influenced these emotional and coping responses.

conclusionThe findings highlight the complex interplay between emotional experiences and coping strategies in cancer recurrence, providing essential insights for healthcare providers. This understanding is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving patient-centered care approaches, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.