Survivor guilt in cancer survivorship

Attributes of survivor guilt are present in the cancer survivorship population, including the presence of distress and loss, identification with a community, and surviving a situation that others have not. Oncology social workers must be aware of feelings and experiences that may be evoked when individuals witness fellow patients suffering and/or dying. In response, survivors may compare their own lives with the lives of those who have died and struggle to justify their existence. Often underlying feelings of guilt can be a sense of overwhelming helplessness, loss of control, grief, mourning, and a deep sense of injustice. This paper will explore the clinical manifestations and therapeutic interventions used to support individuals experiencing survivor guilt through discussion and case examples. The importance of addressing survivor guilt experienced by the clinician and within medical teams will be highlighted and future recommendations for research and program planning in this area will be discussed.