Experiences and perspectives of suffering in cancer: A qualitative systematic review

Suffering refers to a situation in which a person's illness and condition threaten their integrity. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize qualitative studies that explored suffering of persons with cancer. A qualitative systematic review was conducted. Psych Info, PubMed, and CINAHL were searched for relevant studies. Methodological quality was independently assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklist from Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). A meta-aggregative approach was utilized to analyze and synthesize the data that focused on how persons with cancer perceive suffering across their illness trajectory. Twelve articles reporting the experiences of 230 participants were synthesized. Three synthesized findings were generated from the articles: suffering the loss of normality, suffering in relation to others and existential suffering. Suffering affects the person's normal activities of life and cause the loss of normality. Suffering in relation to others refers patients' suffering also impacts on and is impacted by those around them. The last synthesized finding refers to impact of suffering on patients' whole sense of being. In addition, feelings of hopelessness, and other mental anguish are inevitable responses that lead the patients to think about death. The overall methodological quality resulted in a ConQual rating of moderate for the synthesized findings. The persons’ suffering not only affects themselves but also others, particularly close relatives. The suffering experienced is complex and goes well beyond the immediate impact of physical symptoms and treatment. •Little is known about how suffering is experienced by persons with cancer across their illness trajectory.•Qualitative studies on experiences of suffering among persons with cancer can shed a direct light on these perceptions and experiences.•Suffering of persons with cancer across the cancer trajectory is a complex experience, where healing is necessary. This healing is related to establishing a feeling of integrity and wholeness.•Health professionals should be able to recognize suffering to provide effective and appropriate interventions.•Further research is needed to address suffering and explore the experiences and processes of healing thereby aiding healing.