The experience of breathlessness in lung cancer

Breathlessness is a common problem in advanced cancer ranked amongst the 10 most common symptoms in patients admitted to palliative care units. Alongside coughing, it is the most commonly reported symptom in lung cancer. Despite the prevalence of breathlessness, little research has been undertaken on the experience of the symptom, or on the restrictions it imposes on daily life. The data reported in this paper were collected as part of a study piloting new non-pharmacological intervention for patients with breathlessness as a result of lung cancer. Data on the experience of breathlessness from assessment notes recorded by nurses during conversations with 52 patients with lung cancer, were analysed using content analysis. Both physical and emotional sensations were associated with descriptions of breathlessness, such as the feeling of being unable to get enough breath, or of panic or impending death. Breathlessness was only continuous in eight patients, the remainder (85%) had an intermittent pattern of the symptom, usually triggered by exertion or, less commonly, emotion. Numerous restrictions on activity were reported as a result of breathlessness, on functioning inside and outside the home, to social life, and its implications for feelings about oneself. Most patients had attempted to find ways of managing the problems for themselves since, prior to receiving nursing intervention, little or no help had been forthcoming from health professionals.