Emotional experiences across the cancer journey: A psycho-oncological perspective for patients, caregivers, and oncology nurses

Cancer is not merely a biological disease defined by uncontrolled cellular proliferation; it is a multidimensional life experience that simultaneously affects the individual's body, emotions, thoughts, relationships, values, and sense of meaning.Although advances in early detection and treatment have prolonged survival, these achievements have also rendered long-term psychosocial needs and emotional burdens more visible. 1At the same time, growing evidence highlighting the mind-body connection and elucidating the relationships, mechanisms, and pathways between psychosocial factors and cancer has underscored their relevance to cancer development, progression, prevention, and treatment. 2,3From this perspective, cancer care must aim not only to add years to life but also to add life to years, necessitating a biopsychosocial, psychosexual, and spiritual approach to treatment and care.Nursing science conceptualizes the human being as "more than the sum of its parts" and advocates for care that is person-centered, individualized, and holistic. 4Within oncology settings, nurses occupy a unique position to recognize emotional distress, respond to subtle cues, and support patients and caregivers across different phases of the cancer trajectory.However, the literature indicates that nursing practice often prioritizes physical care and treatment, while emotional concerns remain insufficiently recognized or addressed in routine care due to factors such as workload, time pressure, and role ambiguity. 5,6ancer is experienced as a dynamic and often prolonged journey that unfolds from diagnosis through active treatment, survivorship, possible recurrence, and, for some individuals, end-of-life care.Throughout the entire course of this journey, emotional experiences are not linear; each patient, each family, and each culture navigate this process in a unique way.Patients and their families oscillate between fear and hope, uncertainty and adaptation, vulnerability and resilience. 7,8evertheless, the literature consistently reports high levels of unmet needs, psychosocial problems, and psychiatric morbidity among both patients 1,4,9,10 and caregivers. [10][11]][12] The cancer journey often begins with pre-diagnostic uncertainty.A bodily change noticed by the individual or the suspicion raised by diagnostic tests may give rise to intense anticipatory anxiety.In particular, the period between biopsy and pathology results is frequently described, based on the author's clinical observations, as one of the most distressing phases of the entire journey.Once the diagnosis is confirmed, shock, disbelief, denial, fear, and intense anxiety are common reactions.This moment represents a threshold at which individuals come into direct contact with their own vulnerability and mortality.The question "Why me?" may intertwine with diverse cognitive and emotional responses, including guilt, anger, or fatalistic acceptance.