SynthesisBMC psychology2025
Social relationship challenges perceived by cancer patients and survivors: a qualitative meta-synthesis.
Synthesis in BMC psychology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- The invisible wall: experiences of social isolation in colorectal cancer patients with ostomy-a qualitative meta-synthesis.Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · 2026Pooled it
- "This is my voice; this is my story": a thematic analysis of needs and challenges expressed in songs by adult cancer survivors.Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice · 2026Article
- Employed cancer survivors develop a peer-support intervention to improve social connections: a participatory design study.Frontiers in aging · 2026Article
- Beyond Treatment, Understanding the Holistic Needs of Cancer Patients and Family Caregivers: A Qualitative Study from the Perspectives of Patients, Family Caregivers, and Health Care Providers.Cancer management and research · 2026Article
- The growing and urgent need for interventions to mitigate cancer-related stigma in sub-Saharan Africa.Global mental health (Cambridge, England) · 2026Review
- The Experience of Social Alienation in Patients with Chronic Cancer-Related Pain: A Qualitative Study.Journal of pain research · 2026Article
- Lived experiences of well-intended but hurtful cancer communication: Insights for death literacy.Palliative care and social practice · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundA cancer diagnosis can significantly disrupt patients' social lives, leading to strained relationships and increased social isolation. Many encounter uneasy interactions or feel judged by others, amplifying loneliness and a sense of exclusion. While existing research has predominantly focused on clinical outcomes, the social relationship challenges faced by cancer patients have not been fully explored. Consequently, this study aims to synthesize qualitative studies that examine the social relationship experiences of cancer patients and survivors, offering a deeper insight into this important aspect of their lives.
methodsThis study employed a qualitative meta-synthesis approach. A comprehensive search for relevant articles was conducted across international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct) and national databases (SID, Noormags, Magiran). Qualitative studies published in English or Persian in peer-reviewed journals with full-text availability and that focused on the patient perspective were included. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research was used to evaluate study quality. The qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted utilizing a thematic synthesis approach as outlined by Thomas and Harden (2008).
resultsTwenty qualitative studies involving 396 participants from diverse countries employed a variety of data collection and analytical methods. The analysis identified eight key themes. These themes include interpersonal strain due to excessive pity and misplaced sympathy, difficulties in disclosing information, challenges in seeking support, perceived gaps in social support, social isolation and reintegration challenges, understanding stigma and rejection, marital and intimate challenges during illness, and practical assistance requirements.
conclusionThis review provides comprehensive insights into the social relationship challenges experienced by cancer patients and survivors, offering valuable information for the development of targeted interventions to address these challenges.
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.