Background - There are a wide spectrum of cancer diseases, with over 200 different diagnoses, many of which leading to death. In 2020, the prevalence of worldwide cancer related death was 10 million. A confirmed diagnosis leaves its marks on multiple aspects of the affected patients life; above all on the ADL ability. At the end-of-life stage palliative care is initiated to relieve unbearable physical, existential, and social impacts of the cancer disease. 

Aim - The aim of this study was to explore persons experience of living with an incurable cancer in the end-of-life stage. 

Method - A qualitative literature-based study including ten qualitative articles. Friberg´s five-stage model was used for analyzing the articles. 

Results - Three themes and six sub-themes were identified. The three identified themes were (I) When life becomes a challenge, (II) To live life to the fullest and (III) Coping strategies. When life becomes a challenge; describes emotional stress and feeling of loneliness. To live life to the fullest; includes relations, feeling of affinity and quality of life. Coping strategies; involve creating life-meaning and dignity parallel with maintaining independence and control. 

Conclusion- At the end-of-life stage patients face multiple social and emotional difficulties due to decreased ADL ability and limited social relations. Despite these challenges many manage to keep up their motivation to retain independence and control by finding new coping strategies. Healthcare providers and patients closed once play a major role helping to motivate and increase quality of life and well-being at the end-of-life stage.