‘Life became slow down’: A descriptive qualitative study of the experiences of cancer-related fatigue amongst people with advanced lung cancer

Abstract

Background: Cancer-related fatigue is a complex multidimensional concept. However, little is known about the experience of cancer-related fatigue in people with advanced lung cancer. How they emotionally react to and cope with the experience of cancer-related fatigue according to cultural influences has not been extensively explored. Aim: To explore the experience of cancer-related fatigue, its impacts and emotional reactions to and coping strategies for cancer-related fatigue amongst people with advanced lung cancer in China. Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive qualitative study with face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using content analysis. Setting/participants: Twenty-one people with advanced lung cancer who experienced cancer-related fatigue were recruited in a hospital setting. Results: Four themes were identified: multifaceted experiences of cancer-related fatigue, impacts of cancer-related fatigue, negative perceptions of cancer-related fatigue and avoiding cancer-related fatigue. The multifaceted experience of cancer-related fatigue had physical, psychological and social impacts along the cancer trajectory. Informants regarded it as a sign of a ‘bad ending’, searched for root causes and had negative attitudes towards role changes. Avoiding coping strategies included not discussing cancer-related fatigue, refusing encouragement and support, hiding feelings, withdrawing from social life and attempting to control cancer-related fatigue. Conclusion: The findings provide insights into the lack of flexibility of people with advanced lung cancer to adapt to the multidimensional experience of cancer-related fatigue. The reactions and coping towards cancer-related fatigue are profoundly influenced by Chinese culture. Developing psychological interventions based on the cultural background are highly recommended to cultivate the ability to cope flexibly with stressful events and live a meaningful cancer life.