What does cancer feel like
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Understanding the Experience of Cancer: Physical, Emotional, and Psychological Dimensions
Physical Symptoms and Pain in Cancer Patients
Cancer patients often endure a range of physical symptoms, with pain being one of the most prevalent and distressing experiences. Pain intensity can vary significantly among patients, with some reporting mild discomfort while others suffer from severe pain. Notably, women tend to report higher pain levels than men1. Cancer pain is frequently associated with skeletal metastases, which restricts movement and daily activities, further exacerbating the patient's suffering9. Additionally, cancer-related fatigue is a common and persistent issue that significantly impacts patients' quality of life, often persisting even after treatment has concluded10.
Emotional and Psychological Impact: Anxiety, Depression, and Fear
The emotional toll of cancer is profound, with many patients experiencing anxiety, depression, and a pervasive sense of helplessness. These feelings are often intensified in palliative care settings, where the limitations of the body and the severity of symptoms can lead to a deepened state of emotional distress1. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is another significant psychological burden, affecting nearly half of cancer survivors at moderate to high levels. This fear can manifest in trauma-like symptoms, including re-experiencing, avoidance, and heightened arousal in response to cancer-related triggers2.
Suffering and Existential Distress
Suffering in cancer patients is a multidimensional experience that encompasses physical, psychological, and existential elements. While not all patients report suffering, those who do often cite physical symptoms, psychological distress, and existential concerns as primary contributors4. The sense of suffering is closely linked to feelings of general malaise, weakness, and depression, highlighting the complex interplay between physical and emotional health in cancer patients4.
The Unique Perspective of Children and Adolescents
Children and adolescents with cancer also face significant challenges, both physically and emotionally. Their experiences are often characterized by a mix of shared and unique feelings, which can be difficult for them to articulate. This age group may struggle to communicate their symptoms and emotional states effectively, underscoring the need for sensitive and supportive care from healthcare providers3.
The Role of Gut Feelings in Cancer Diagnosis
In primary care, general practitioners (GPs) often rely on their gut feelings when diagnosing cancer. These gut feelings are informed by subtle verbal and non-verbal cues and can significantly influence the decision to investigate further. While gut feelings have a relatively low sensitivity, they possess high specificity, making them a valuable tool in the early detection of cancer5 8.
Conclusion
Cancer is a multifaceted disease that affects patients physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and fear of recurrence are common experiences that significantly impact the quality of life. Understanding these dimensions is crucial for providing comprehensive care that addresses not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and psychological needs of cancer patients. By recognizing the complex nature of suffering and the unique perspectives of different age groups, healthcare providers can better support patients through their cancer journey.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Quality of life of a patient with cancer. Pain and depression – severity of symptoms depending on gender
Cancer patients experience higher levels of depression and anxiety, with women experiencing more severe pain than men, but overall physical activity is generally good.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalFear of cancer recurrence: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis of patients' experiences.
Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is an intense, multi-dimensional experience for cancer survivors, characterized by trauma-like symptoms and emotional responses.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedFeeling States: A New Approach to Understanding How Children and Adolescents With Cancer Experience Symptoms
Children and adolescents with cancer experience shared and unique ways of feeling, but may struggle to communicate these feelings to healthcare providers.
Observational StudyHighly CitedSuffering with advanced cancer.
Many advanced cancer patients do not consider themselves to be suffering, but for those who do, suffering is a multidimensional experience influenced by physical symptoms, psychological distress, existential concerns, and social-relational worries.
Observational StudyHighly CitedCreating space for gut feelings in the diagnosis of cancer in primary care.
GPs' gut feelings about a patient's health can increase the odds of a cancer diagnosis, but may conflict with technology and protocolized practice.
Systematic ReviewAnxiety and Depression in Cancer Survivors.
Cancer survivors may experience persistent negative mood, such as anxiety or depression, which can interfere with quality of life.
Highly CitedRelations of meaning in life and sense of coherence to distress in cancer patients: a meta‐analysis
Meaning in life and sense of coherence have stronger associations with distress in cancer patients, with potential moderators such as age, gender, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disease stage, and time since diagnosis.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedGut feeling for the diagnosis of cancer in general practice: a diagnostic accuracy review
Gut feeling for cancer in symptomatic adult patients in general practice has a relatively low sensitivity but high specificity, supporting its continued use in referral pathways.
Meta-AnalysisCancer pain--a provoker of emotional, social and existential distress.
Cancer pain leads to emotional, social, and existential distress, requiring effective pain treatment and education to address its negative effects beyond physical suffering.
Highly CitedCancer-Related Fatigue, Version 2.2015.
Routine screening for cancer-related fatigue is crucial for improving the quality of life for cancer patients.
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