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The existential plight of cancer: meaning making as a concrete approach to the intangible search for meaning

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Abstract

Introduction

Despite modern advances that have led to improved prognoses and symptom management, a cancer diagnosis continues to evoke images of pain, suffering, and death.

Discussion

The current literature suggests that the “existential plight of cancer” refers to what is now commonly known as the “search for meaning” following a cancer experience. Mounting evidence suggests that global meaning—defined as the general sense that one’s life has order and purpose—is a key determinant of overall quality of life. It provides the motivation for people with cancer to reengage in life amongst a bewildering array of physical, psychosocial, social, spiritual, and existential changes imposed by the disease. Health care providers are inherently involved in their patients’ search for global meaning. Yet, few empirical studies have operationalized how this search can be achieved.

Conclusion

The meaning-making intervention is presented as one concrete approach to address the normative distress associated with the search for meaning within the context of cancer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cancer Care Mission, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada

    Virginia Lee

  2. School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

    Virginia Lee

  3. Department of Nursing Research, McGill University Health Centre – Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Room D6–156, Montreal, QC, H3G 1A4, Canada

    Virginia Lee

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  1. Virginia Lee
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Correspondence to Virginia Lee.

Additional information

This paper was presented as a proffered paper presentation at the 20th International Anniversary Symposium for the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer in St. Gallen, Switzerland, June 27–30, 2007. This work was prepared as an original review article for the Multinational Association of Supportive care in Cancer journal, Supportive Care in Cancer (by Springer). The author was the recipient of the Young Investigator Award 2007.

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Lee, V. The existential plight of cancer: meaning making as a concrete approach to the intangible search for meaning. Support Care Cancer 16, 779–785 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0396-7

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