Background:

Cancer is one of the most common reasons why people die in the world. Being diagnosed with a cancer disease means that the future might be uncertain for the patient. A common cancer disease causes patients several kinds of life suffering. It is therefore of importance that the patient finds some sort of hope in the suffering to be able to manage the situation. Aim: The aim of this study was to illuminate patients' experiences of hope and suffering during a cancer disease. Method: The study has been conducted as a qualitative literature review in which existing research has been used. Results: The patients experienced suffering in form of powerlessness, being seen as a burden, physical changes and the nurse's negative impact. Hope was experienced in form of belief in treatment, to believe in God, family support, to dare to focus on the future, nurse's positive impact and to have a positive approach. The result of this study is presented in two main themes named "suffering as experience of darkness" and "experiences of finding the light in the darkness". Conclusion: Suffering causes patients negative experiences but when patients find hope in their suffering the negative experiences transforms into positive experiences. Nurses has a big role in patient's experiences of suffering and hope. To engender hope or to maintain hope it´s important that nurses treats patients as a human being with body, soul and spirit.