Living with and beyond advanced cancer: understanding patient needs and experiences

People receiving ongoing treatment for advanced cancer in Canada report persistent symptoms, uncertainty about the future, disruptions to daily life and difficulty finding support that addresses their needs, according to a qualitative study of 22 participants. The research identified two overarching themes: challenges associated with living long-term with advanced cancer, and barriers and facilitators affecting participants’ ability to live well while continuing treatment.

The study examined the lived experiences of Canadians receiving ongoing treatment for advanced cancer through semi-structured virtual interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using descriptive techniques. This exploratory design was intended to explore experiences and challenges rather than measure how common particular needs are across the Canadian population. The findings therefore reflect the accounts of the 22 people interviewed and do not establish national prevalence.

Participants described difficulties that appeared distinct from those associated with earlier-stage cancers and treatment delivered with curative intent. Persistent treatment-related symptoms created continuing physical challenges, while uncertainty about the future affected how participants approached their lives. Ongoing treatment also disrupted everyday routines, responsibilities and personal identity. In this way, the burden described by participants extended beyond the direct management of cancer to encompass practical, emotional and adjustment-related demands.

The second overarching theme concerned the factors that helped or hindered participants’ ability to live well. Their capacity for self-management and self-advocacy, support from family and friends, financial considerations and support from healthcare providers all influenced their experiences. Participants nevertheless reported difficulty navigating available resources and described limited guidance from providers. They felt that existing supports and resources were insufficient to respond to the combined challenges they encountered, leaving participants to address unmet needs themselves.

The authors note that advances in precision oncology and cancer therapies have improved survival for Canadians with advanced cancer, creating a growing population living long-term while receiving ongoing treatment. Yet little is known about the supportive-care needs of this group or how those needs differ from those of people treated with curative intent. The study suggests that existing supports are rarely effective at addressing the physical, emotional, practical and adjustment-related challenges reported by participants. Future research should therefore develop and adapt accessible, tailored supports for people living with advanced cancer. Because the study included only 22 remotely interviewed participants, it cannot determine whether particular needs are more common among specific demographic groups, cancer types or regions, nor can it establish whether new support services would improve clinical outcomes.

Subject of Research: Lived experiences and supportive-care needs of Canadians receiving ongoing treatment for advanced cancer

Article Title: Living with and beyond advanced cancer: understanding patient needs and experiences

Article References: Scruton, S., Kendell, C., Pauling, J., Aizenberg, Y., Wallace, A., Trottier, A., Reiman, T., Thoms, J., & Urquhart, R. (2026). Living with and beyond advanced cancer: understanding patient needs and experiences. BMC Cancer. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-026-16808-3

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s12885-026-16808-3

Keywords: advanced cancer, ongoing cancer treatment, supportive care, patient experiences, qualitative interviews, Canada, self-management, healthcare navigation, treatment uncertainty, Living, beyond, advanced