Background: Lifestyle interventions have promise in terms of their potential health benefits and as an empowerment tool for cancer patients. Nevertheless, documentation of palliative cancer patients experiences of participating in lifestyle interventions remains poor.
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore how palliative cancer patients experience participation in a feasibility study focusing on multiple lifestyle interventions (physical, nutritional, smoking cessation, and stress management) while receiving chemotherapy.
Methods: This was a qualitative design with semistructured interviews of 9 palliative cancer patients 3 to 4 months after inclusion to the lifestyle intervention. Data were analyzed according to a qualitative content analysis within a hermeneutic approach.
Results: Three main themes emerged: (1) adopting a healthier lifestyle, (2) taking on a more active role, and (3) boosting confidence. Participation made some participants feel guilty when they were not able to reach their own lifestyle goals.
Conclusions: Participation in lifestyle interventions is valued by palliative cancer patients and may strengthen their coping abilities. However, some of the participants also expressed feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Thus, the organizational aspects of interventions need to be considered carefully to minimize the possibility of causing increased strain on the participants, who already experience the burden of coping with their disease.
Implications for practice: This study provides a unique insight into the palliative cancer patients experiences of participating in a trial focusing on multiple lifestyle interventions while receiving chemotherapy. The results may provide guidance for healthcare professionals in their efforts to help palliative cancer patients adopt a healthier lifestyle and to help patients increase their coping abilities.