Psychosocial issues for people with advanced cancer: Overcoming the research challenges

Abstract

Being diagnosed with advanced cancer is devastating for the person and their family. It progressively affects the individual's physical functioning, which in turn affects emotional well-being, social interactions, daily living and quality of life. Advancing illness also impinges upon family functioning and raises existential questions related to facing death. There is relatively little research investigating psychosocial interventions for people with advanced cancer. This paper discusses the psychosocial issues associated with advanced cancer, the challenges inherent in conducting research with this population and most importantly, how to overcome them.