Patients' Experiences of Cancer Pain: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the cancer pain experiences of Iranian patients. Design A qualitative descriptive design was used. Methods This qualitative descriptive study was performed on 17 participants between December 2020 and September 2021. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed by Graneheim and Lundman's content analysis method. Results Three main categories emerged in relation to patients' experiences of cancer pain. Categories included (1) characteristics of cancer pain, (2) pain self-management strategies, and (3) influence of pain on patient and her/his family. Conclusions Most patients believe that pain is God's will, and family members, doctors, and nurses can assist patients cope with pain by respecting this belief and supporting spiritual healing. Strengthening pain management strategies, expanding social networks, and convincing the patients that they are not an interruption to their families can all help patients maintain their fighting spirit and pain tolerance. To provide holistic care, healthcare providers, particularly nurses, should consider the physical, sociocultural, and spiritual aspects of cancer pain.