To ring or not to ring: An interpretive description of cancer patients and caregivers exiting treatment

Abstract

The "ringing of the bell" (RTB) ritual upon the completion of cancer treatment is a common tradition in many centres. There is a paucity of research investigating the impact of this experience on the cancer patient and their caregivers exiting treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify key concepts within the experiences of cancer patients and their caregivers related to the ritual of RTB. An interpretive description (ID) approach was used including open-ended interviews with two cancer patients and their two caregivers. All four participants perceived the experience of RTB as being a positive aspect in the transition out of active cancer treatment. Moreover, RTB created a sense of community and was an important milestone that was symbolic of returning back to "normal life" after cancer treatment. Future work should examine the effects of rituals such as ringing the bell among diverse patient populations and across the cancer transition continuum.