Lived Experience among Patients Newly Diagnosed with Lung Adenocarcinoma Stage IV within One Year.

BACKGROUND: lung cancer (LC) is the fifth of the 10 leading causes of death in the world. LC is in first place for cancer-related mortality for both males and females in Taiwan. It is one of the most difficult cancers to treat and is often diagnosed at a late stage. Patients with stage IV are often unprepared for the diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: To explore lived experience among patients newly diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma stage IV within one year.

RESULTS: Twelve participants were recruited in this study. Content analysis of the interviews revealed four themes: (1) emotional roller coaster, (2) trying to find out causes, (3) adjusting my lifestyle, and (4) cancer fighter.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new insight into the experiences of lung cancer patients y with newly diagnosed lung adenocarcinoma stage 4. These results will inform future supportive care service development and intervention research for patients with advanced stage cancer.