Existential Concerns and Interventions in Patients with Cancer: Insights from Yalom’s Framework

Abstract

Cancer patients confront profound existential distress, influenced by the awareness of mortality, loss of autonomy, isolation, and meaninglessness. This narrative review explores the application of Irvin Yalom’s existential psychotherapy framework in understanding these concerns. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across major academic databases, using keywords such as “cancer,” “existential concerns,” “Yalom,” “existential psychotherapy,” “logotherapy,” “meaning-centered psychotherapy,” and “dignity therapy.” The review highlights the heightened death anxiety among cancer patients linked to demographic and psychological factors and the challenges to their sense of freedom and autonomy. It also examines the deep isolation experienced by patients and the existential crisis of meaninglessness. Empirical evidence supports the efficacy of interventions such as meaning-centered psychotherapy, logotherapy, and dignity therapy in mitigating existential distress and enhancing psychological well-being. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, cultural considerations, and integrating these therapies into standard oncology care to improve the quality of life for cancer patients.