Adults surviving lung cancer two or more years: A systematic review

Lung cancer has had a low survival rate throughout the years. Some studies have shown that psychological variables such as hardiness and resiliency may play a role in the meaningfulness of survival among lung cancer patients.

The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the best available evidence on the experiences of surviving lung cancer (including psychological/affective well-being dimensions such as resiliency, optimism, quality of life, and coping strategies) in adults over the age of 18, two or more years after diagnosis.

The review considered adults (18 years and older) who have survived lung cancer two or more years post diagnosis.The review included studies that examined the experiences (including psychological/affective well-being dimensions such as resiliency, optimism, quality of life, and coping strategies) of surviving lung cancer two or more years post diagnosis.The review considered patients' experiences of surviving lung cancer post two years diagnosis, including the examination of specific psychological/affective well-being aspects such as resiliency, optimism, quality of life and coping strategies.The review included quantitative descriptive studies and qualitative studies.

A search for published and unpublished studies in English language from January 1999 through December 2010 was undertaken in multiple databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest and Psyc INFO.

Assessment of methodological quality of studies was undertaken using critical appraisal tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Data was extracted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Data Extraction forms.

Results were presented in a narrative format as the synthesis of qualitative or quantitative data was not appropriate.

13 studies were included in the review: one mixed methods study (including a qualitative research component) and 12 quantitative studies.The qualitative component of the included mixed methods study identified five findings related to the meaningfulness of surviving lung cancer post two years. The central themes that emerged were existential issues, health and self-care, physical ability, adjustment, and support.Quantitative studies identified that distressed groups had less meaningful experiences related to lung cancer survival than not distressed groups. The studies also found that emotional states and style of coping were related to the meaningfulness of lung cancer survival.

With less emotional distress, seeing the good in everything, adjusting life to fit the changes from lung cancer, and adding physical activity to the daily routine, the life of a lung cancer survivor can be more meaningful.

Healthcare providers must assess lung cancer survivors for potential symptom clusters affecting key patient outcomes such as quality of life. Consider introducing interventions to promote light to moderate physical activity in older patients and moderate to vigorous physical activity in younger patients, and ceasing smoking. Teach active coping strategies.

There is a need for qualitative research studies exploring the experiences of lung cancer survivors. Further research is recommended on symptom clusters that might impact outcomes such as quality of life.