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Journal of Family Nursing
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A Family's Beliefs About Cancer, Dying, and Death in the End of Life

Inger James, RN, RNT

Örebro University, Sweden, inger.james{at}hi.oru.se

Birgitta Andershed, RN, RNT, PhD

Örebro University, Sweden

Britt-Marie Ternestedt, RN, RNT, PhD

Ersta Sköndahl University College Stockholm Örebro University, Sweden

The purpose of this case study was to describe the beliefs over time of a Swedish family and individual family members about cancer and death and how these beliefs affected their daily lives. Data were collected over 10 months using interviews, conversations, and diary notations. The beliefs were aggregated into eight main beliefs and four themes: Cancer is a deadly threat/death is a liberator, death can be held at bay/death can be lived near, dying is done alone/dying should not be done alone, and life has an end/life is endless. These beliefs appear to oscillate between seemingly contrasting poles. Some beliefs were shared by all family members, whereas others were described by only one or more members of the family. The complexity of daily life in families experiencing life-shortening illness underscores the need of individualized nursing care with openness to difference and collaboration as guiding principles.

Key Words: beliefs • family • cancer • end of life • case study • families and life-shortening illness

Journal of Family Nursing, Vol. 13, No. 2, 226-252 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1074840707300849
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Home page
 Qual Health ResHome page
I. James, B. Andershed, and B.-M. Ternestedt
The Encounter Between Informal and Professional Care at the End of Life
Qual Health Res, February 1, 2009; 19(2): 258 - 271.
[Abstract] [PDF]