EXPLORING THE PERCEPTIONS OF OUTPATIENT CANCER SURVIVORS AFTER ATTENDING THE MINDCAN PROGRAMME AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN SINGAPORE : A DESCRIPTIVE QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Cancer survivors often experience psychological symptoms such as pain, fatigue and weakness. Neglecting these symptoms may hinder survivors’ ability to carry out their daily activities. As a result, their quality of life may be negatively affected due to these psychological symptoms. With an increasing number of people diagnosed with cancer, it is important to be aware that measures are available to help cancer survivors to cope with it. The Mindfulness- Based Psychoeducation for Cancer Survivors (the MindCAN) programme which is an 8-week programme has been established to help cancer survivors manage their physical and psychological symptoms. Aim: This study aims to explore the perception of cancer survivors after undergoing the MindCAN programme at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Two focus-group interviews were conducted and convenience sampling was used with a sample of 13 participants recruited in a tertiary hospital. Data collected were analysed thematic analysis proposed by Braun & Clarke (2006). Results: Participants have reported different outcomes that have resulted from mindfulness practice. Five major themes emerged from the findings: (1) heightened awareness of self, (2) enriching body experiences through v!iii! mindfulness practice, (3) cultivating powerful minds and positive emotions, (4) integrating mindfulness to daily life, (5) embracing interpersonal mindfulness. Conclusion: Findings from this study would add valuable knowledge into the perceptions of cancer survivors after undergoing a mindfulness programme, improve clinical practice, and contribute to health policy. This research study serves as a basis for future researches to further explore cancer survivor’s experience with mindfulness. Implications: This study reported the perceptions of cancer survivors after attending a mindfulness programme. It supports the need for a mindfulness programme as it can help cancer survivors cope with cancer.