Experiences of cancer survivors who use a palliative day care salon on a university campus

ABSTRACT

<b>Objectives</b> The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of cancer survivors who used a palliative day care salon on a university campus. <b>Method</b> Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten cancer survivors; thereafter, we performed content analysis. <b>Results</b> Ten categories were identified. The following were identified as motives to participate in the activities of the salon (1) need for spiritual support, (2) desire to discover the meaning of life. The following experiences were described regarding the salon (3) a place to express emotions openly, (4) a place to engage in activities as one pleases, (5) a place to communicate with others and express one’s true feelings, (6) a place that instills vigor as a result of expert advice. The following changes were identified after participation (7) adopting an appropriate lifestyle, (8) improvement in image during the recurrence of cancer and towards the end of one’s life, (9) better family and social relationships, (10) a broader range of activities and uplifted sense for playing their roles. <b>Discussion</b> Cancer survivors require support. In the salon, they could openly express their true feelings about their experiences of cancer and readily accepted one another. Further, their perceptions and attitudes toward life were being transformed through an enhanced sense of self-awareness. This transformation was facilitated by free activities on the university campus, an assurance of physical and psychological safety, and an indication of an outlet for such transformation.