Experiences of Patients with Advanced-Stage Lung Cancer During Treatment: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Lung cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide, with an estimated two million new cases each year. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Most patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. A cancer diagnosis is a life crisis that triggers various emotional responses, including fear, anxiety, stress, and denial. This systematic review aimed to identify the experiences of patients with advanced-stage lung cancer. The review was conducted by searching the Google Scholar and PubMed databases using relevant keywords based on the title of the systematic review. Article selection was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Four articles were identified that explored the experiences of patients with advanced-stage lung cancer during treatment. Based on the findings of these four studies, patients with advanced-stage lung cancer experienced negative emotions, positive emotions, and a substantial physical burden throughout their treatment journey.