Scanxiety in survivors of pancreatic cancer

Abstract

PURPOSE: To understand the scanxiety experience in pancreatic cancer (PC) survivors following curative surgical resection. DESIGN: A qualitative study with a hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used. METHODS: Eighteen PC survivors participated. Data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews were analyzed and themes emerged from systematic line-by-line coding of the interview transcripts. FINDINGS: Two key themes emerged: 'the recurring cycle of scanxiety' and 'hope for lifelong remission'. Participants experienced similar patterns of scanxiety that impacted everyday life. Hope was an essential stabilizing component of the cancer-scan experience, and enabled participants to conceptualize a cure, despite the high likelihood of recurrent, incurable disease. A conceptual framework was developed to provide further insight. IMPLICATIONS: Everyday life is significantly affected during times of PC surveillance scans. This study enhances our understanding of the cancer-scan experience and provides a framework to guide care.