The phenomenon of hope while dealing with oncology disease

Abstract

Background/Aim: Hope gives meaning to life in challenging situations, which certainly include oncological diseases. The aim of the research was to find out the importance of hope in oncology patients. Methods: A qualitative methodology was used for the researchA. It was a narrative study employing the technique of semi-structured interviews . Six respondents, patients with oncological diseases aged over 40, participated, married/living with a partner . Results: At least three of the five phases of response to K & uuml;bler-Ross oncological diagnosis were identified in the participants. Among the participants, material needs were changed to spiritualA. For all the participants, the greatest support in their dealing with the illness was the familyA. Women, although married, did not mention the husband as support, but always the person of the female gender- mother or daughter, while men mentioned their wivesA. In general, all the participants maintained hope of survival, however, the women were more optimisticA. They stated that they believed in themselves ("that they could cope with this situation"), their loved ones and experts . Conclusion: Sustaining hope is part of the communication between health professionals and patients that can maintain positive feelings, goals and beliefs of patients and their families for their well-being . The results of the research for this article may contribute to improving health care, psychological and spiritual care, care for patients in hospice care and palliative care focused on sensitive topics.