Att leva med lungcancer

: Ur ett patientperspektiv

Abstract

Background: In the world around 1.4 million people are dying from lung cancer each year. The prognosis is worse than for other diagnosis. More than five year survival is rare among both women and men. Awareness of experiences of lung cancer is important and it can lead to a better experience for the patient. Aim: To describe people's experiences of living with lung cancer. Method: The study was a literature review and scientific studies were found in databases and in manual searches. Twelve scientific studies were analyzed. Results: The results are based on physical, psychological and social experiences. The findings resulted in nine themes: physical- and mental fatigue, pain, breathing difficulties, fear, hope, worry and anxiety, loss of relationships and feelings of guilt. These are experiences that people with lung cancer have. Conclusion: Good communication/ information between the nurse and patient are important. Awareness of the experiences of lung cancer may improve patients' quality of life and experiences of care.