Health promoting coping mechanisms during cancer : a literature review

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death. For this reason, cancer is commonly perceived as a potentially fatal disease that causes both current and future existential suffering. In recent years, research has revealed that patients' implementation of coping strategies has increased the manageability and control of cancer. Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine which coping strategies adult patients with malignant diseases/cancer use, and how their coping strategies affect their health. Method: A literature review was conducted. The articles were analyzed through a four-step model and based on four qualitative and four quantitative scientific articles in order to contribute to evidence-based knowledge. Two themes and seven subthemes were analysed in the result. Results: What emerged in the results showed that the patient's external resources as the environment was an important support, followed by internal resources as personal abilities where faith and hope were central components. Seven subthemes were identified consisted of seeking professional support, find support from social networks, self-destruction, maintain a positive attitude, self-efficacy, acceptance and turn to their faith. Patients experienced improved health during the disease progression when using coping strategies. Conclusion: Coping strategies improve the patient's health by managing the disease and suffering, which may be accomplished using the patient's internal and external resources for management. By assisting the patient in employing appropriate coping mechanisms, the nurse can promote a higher quality of life, reduce suffering, and promote health.