Transitions Throughout the Cancer Experience: Diagnosis, Treatment, Survivorship, and End of Life

Transitions are associated with life events that require individuals to consider the direction and meaning of their lives while moving from one stage or state to another. For most individuals, a diagnosis of cancer is such an event. Success in transitioning from one cancer related event to the next is dependent on a number of factors, including: prognosis, ability to cope, social support, and the care provided. While statistics on morbidity and mortality related to cancer are less than positive, progress has been made and an increasing number of individuals are living longer, more productive lives in remission from their disease. As a result, it is now more important than ever to understand the kinds of transitions that cancer patients face as they cope with the challenges of their condition.