Abstract:
Sarcomas are rare, heterogeneous malignancies that disproportionately affect younger individuals and present complex physical, psychological, and social challenges. This qualitative meta-synthesis aimed to synthesize evidence on the experiences and needs of sarcoma patients by analyzing 27 studies using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: self-perceived health challenges after diagnosis, highlighting physical and emotional difficulties; mixed experiences during social interactions, reflecting complex relationship dynamics; and unfriendliness in society towards sarcomas, emphasizing societal barriers. These findings indicate that sarcoma patients face challenges extending beyond their health condition, significantly impacting interpersonal relationships and social wellbeing, and highlight the need for tailored support and interventions.
