AI Article Synopsis

  • The study aims to explore how adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with advanced cancer perceive hope at different stages of their journey—before, during, and after treatment.
  • Involving 15 AYAs aged 12-21, researchers used interviews and creative storytelling to analyze how their experiences shaped their understanding of hope, especially in relation to relapses.
  • Findings revealed a significant theme of "Transitions of Hope," where participants noted the evolution of their hope, which transformed from a source of encouragement during treatment to a motivating factor for altruism and purpose after recovery.

Article Abstract

Objectives: 1. Describe the concept of hope based on perspectives of AYAs who experienced advanced cancer. 2. Differentiate the role hope has for AYAs before, during, and after experiencing cancer.

Context: In clinical care, addressing patients' hopes may stimulate conversations about their goals, concerns, and values; helping clinicians focus on patient-centered interventions to support the patient's psychological, spiritual, and existential needs.

Methods: This descriptive qualitative study used a phenomenology informed approach to depict experiences with hope by AYAs who have advanced cancer. The participants completed two semi-structured audio-recorded virtual interviews and co-created narratives and drawings about the role of hope before, during, and after experiencing cancer. Thematic analyses were performed on the narratives.

Results: Fifteen AYAs aged 12-21 years were recruited from an academic medical center and an online non-profit organization. During data collection participants had either completed treatments (60%), or were actively receiving treatments (40%). Approximately 67% of the sample experienced at least one relapse. A main theme identified from the narratives was Transitions of Hope. Participants described differences in their hope before and after experiencing cancer. Participants who experienced a relapse reported their past experiences helped them build hope during their relapse. Participants described a new sense of purpose after experiencing cancer, such as starting a non-profit organization, giving back to others, doing "what I'm passionate about", and honoring the legacies of others.

Conclusion: Transitions in the role of hope occurred over time, becoming a source of mental sustenance during cancer treatment, and a source of altruism after experiencing cancer. This study adds to the understanding of hope for AYAs who have advanced cancer.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.11.016DOI Listing

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