The purposes of this study were to describe the relationship of life-change, spiritual perspective and perceived well-being to hope in 24 adults with recurrent cancer, and to describe the personal meaning of cancer recurrence in the same population. A significant relationship between hope and spiritual perspective was identified (r =.39, p =.03). No significant relationship was identified between hope and life-change or perceived well-being, although life-change was inversely related to perceived well-being (r =.39, p =.01). Subjects were moderately hopeful despite their knowledge of a potentially limited life span. The experience of cancer recurrence was described as unique requiring cognitive adaptation to assimilate the changes imposed by the diagnosis and treatment. Implications for nursing practice and further research were identified.
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