%0 Journal Article
%T Distinct experiences and care needs of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG performance status: a qualitative phenomenological study.
%A Chen P
%A Ding M
%A Li C
%A Long Y
%A Pan D
%A Ma L
%A Liu T
%A Yi C
%J BMC Palliat Care
%V 23
%N 1
%D 2024 Apr 17
%M 38627698
%F 3.113
%R 10.1186/s12904-024-01425-3
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Advanced cancer patients with good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (score 0-1) are underrepresented in current qualitative reports compared with their dying counterparts.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To explore the experiences and care needs of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A qualitative phenomenological approach using semi-structured interview was employed. Data was analyzed using the Colaizzi's method.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Purposive sample of terminal solid cancer patients on palliative care aged 18-70 years with a 0-1 ECOG score were recruited from a tertiary general hospital.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Sixteen participants were interviewed. Seven themes were generated from the transcripts, including experiencing no or mild symptoms; independence in self-care, decision-making, and financial capacity; prioritization of cancer growth suppression over symptom management; financial concerns; hope for prognosis and life; reluctance to discuss death and after-death arrangements; and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and religious coping.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Advanced cancer patients with good ECOG have distinct experiences and care needs from their dying counterparts. They tend to experience no or mild symptoms, demonstrate a strong sense of independence, and prioritize cancer suppression over symptom management. Financial concerns were common and impact their care-related decision-making. Though being hopeful for their prognosis and life, many are reluctant to discuss death and after-death arrangements. Many Chinese patients use herbal medicine as a CAM modality but need improved awareness of and accessibility to treatment options. Healthcare professionals and policy-makers should recognize their unique experiences and needs when tailoring care strategies and policies.