Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2017
The meaning of life according to patients with advanced lung cancer: a qualitative study
Jin Mei Zhang1,2, Mei Rong Zhang3, Chun Hong Yang4
1Department of Nursing, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
Purpose:
This qualitative study explores the meaning of life and end-of-life coping strategies among patients in China with advanced lung cancer.
Methods:
We conducted in-depth interviews with 21 hospitalized patients with advanced lung cancer and analysed the data using the 7-step Colaizzi method.
Results:
The analysis revealed themes in patients' experiences and feelings about living with a terminal illness. These include: 1) The core of the meaning of life is "self-iteration," which includes self-recognition and cherishing life; 2) The existence form of the meaning of life is "yu-wei," including self-reliance and altruism; 3) The meaning of life is embodied in three levels: the past, present, and future. The past includes gratitude, guilt and remorse, and avoidance; the present includes using the support system, positive response, independence, and integrity; the future includes accompanying relatives, preparing for death, living a high quality of life, and worrying.
Conclusion:
Meaning of life is a multidimensional and diverse concept among patients with advanced lung cancer. Medical care providers and family members can provide targeted professional guidance and psychological support according to patients' characteristics to help them discover their meaning of life, improve their quality of life, and achieve a positive end-of-life perspective.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Survival Analysis
Nursing Ethical Principles II
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...
Kubler Ross's Stages of Dying
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from...
Continuing Care
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids

