Elderly Cancer Survivors Reflect on Coping Strategies During the Cancer Journey

PURPOSE: This paper focuses on perspectives of elderly cancer survivors on their experiences of coping with cancer during various phases of their illness journey, ranging from diagnosis phase to treatment and finally considering post treatment survivorship. Anchored in the stress paradigm, the purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of living with cancer and older adults’ orientations to coping with stressors encountered during their cancer journey as reflected in narratives of elderly cancer survivors. METHODS: A nonclinical sample of 174 older adults who reported a cancer diagnosis were selected from a panel study of successful aging. In-depth interviews with respondents focused on perceived stressors and coping strategies at different phases of their cancer experience. Themes were derived from narratives based on consensus by two raters. RESULTS: Most of the elderly patients accepted their diagnosis without dismay. Resolve and determination during the diagnosis phase was followed by assuming a more passive role during the treatment phase, relying on expert medical care. During the longer term survivorship phase older adults looked back at the adaptations they found most useful. The majority reported valuing active coping styles. These include seeking social support and instrumental orientations to dealing with the illness followed by religious or spiritual approaches. CONCLUSIONS: The “on time” interpretation of having a cancer diagnosis in old age may diminish the stressfulness of the diagnosis and may enhance the patients’ ability to proactively deal with the reality of their illness.