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Palliative Medicine, Vol. 19, No. 5, 371-380 (2005)
DOI: 10.1191/0269216305pm1038oa

Existential issues do not necessarily result in existential suffering: lessons from cancer patients in Israel

Craig D Blinderman

Department of Family Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Centre, New York

Nathan I Cherny

Department of Oncology, Shaare Zedek Medical Centre, Jerusalem

Existential distress has been recognized as a source of suffering for oncology patients. This study focusses on existential issues and coping mechanisms of a unique culturally diverse Jewish/Middle Eastern oncology population. A qualitative assessment of 40 patients with advanced cancer was undertaken through an interview process addressing the following themes: autonomy, dignity/body image, social isolation, coping mechanisms, guilt/past disappointments, spiritual health, meaning, hope and death/dying. The findings of this study indicate that existential concerns are endemic in this patient population, but that significant distress is relatively uncommon. Early palliative measures, family support, effective coping strategies, and religious belief systems may influence the way patients with advanced cancer deal with existential concerns.

Key Words: existential/spiritual distress • palliative care • qualitative assessment


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