Background Cancer is one of the diseases with the highest mortality rate in the world, and every year more people are diagnosed with the disease. To be able to relate to people living with incurable cancer and to apply a good nursing care, it is important that the healthcare professionals know how these people experience their illness.

Aim The aim of this study was to highlight people's experiences of living with incurable cancer.

Method The method used was a literature study based on qualitative research. Eleven articles were analysed according to Friberg ́s five-step model and resulted in three main themes and eight sub-themes.

Results The main themes that emerged was: Limited time, A tightening world of living and A journey towards death.

Conclusion The results showed that people with incurable cancer experience a changed lifeworld when confronted with themselves, time, space and environment. The patients are often faced with both physical and mental challenges and easily end up in an emotional isolation.