"I am in a Fight with My Brain": A Qualitative Study on Cancer-Related Ruminations of Individuals with Cancer

Objective: This study aimed to determine the cancer-related ruminations from the subjective perspectives of individuals with cancer.

Data sources: The study adopted a qualitative design, and participants (N = 16) were individuals with cancer. The analysis and interpretation of data were carried out according to the phenomenological-hermeneutical method.

Conclusion: The following four themes emerged as a result of the analysis of qualitative data revealing the experiences of individuals with cancer: (1) attributed meanings to cancer-related ruminations, (2) perceived ruminations toward an uncertain future, (3) losing against intrusive ruminations, and (4) fighting with ruminations. The results underline the negative impact of ruminative thoughts on the disease process and social life of individuals with cancer. Individuals with cancer struggle with intense thoughts about the cause, treatment, and future of the disease from the moment they are diagnosed with cancer. In order to stop ruminative thoughts, individuals with cancer have tried solutions such as distracting activities and avoiding thoughts.

Implications for nursing practice: Nurses have an important role in catching verbal and nonverbal cues for rumination, as they are constantly together with individuals with cancer and make observations. Therefore, nurses can raise awareness about their ruminative thoughts and teach coping skills to individuals with cancer.