Sense-Making Around Psilocybin in UK Women Experiencing Cancer-Related Existential Distress: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Zaynab Khan, Sterre Weaver, Rachael V. Dando, Anne Katrin Schlag, Joanna C. Neill, Verity Wainwright
Qualitative Health Research February 17, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/10497323261419338 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 7 |
| Population | Females in the United Kingdom with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation Psilocybin End-of-life distress |
| Keywords | Interpretative phenomenological analysis Mental health Existentialism Mood Perception Experiential learning Psychotherapist Clinical psychology Experiential knowledge Distress Depression economics Clinical trial Experiential avoidance Somatization |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Participants considered psilocybin a much-needed alternative to traditional treatments for cancer-related depression and anxiety but felt its legal status was a significant barrier to access. |
Abstract
People with cancer often experience anxiety and depression following a diagnosis and can face barriers to accessing treatment for their mental health. An increasing number of patients are considering alternative approaches to managing their mental health symptoms, such as the psychedelic, psilocybin. A growing number of clinical trials show significant and enduring improvements in mood and quality of life following psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) in this patient group. While the lived experiences of patients undergoing PAT in clinical trials and medical contexts have been explored, the broad decision-making processes, perceptions of societal and self-acceptance of psilocybin, and the impact or otherwise of the legality of psilocybin outside of these settings have not. In this study, qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the attitudes and perceptions of using psilocybin by seven females in the United Kingdom with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer (four who had used psilocybin and three who had considered taking the drug). Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three group experiential themes were created: (i) somatic healing needs; (ii) outlawing nature: illegality as both a burden and boundary; and (iii) reconnecting self, nature, and mortality. Participants considered psilocybin a much-needed alternative to traditional treatments for the depression and anxiety they experienced in relation to their cancer diagnosis but felt its legal status was a significant barrier to access. As such, a compassionate access scheme here in the United Kingdom could transform the mental health of people with cancer.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for 2 syntheses in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Participants considered psilocybin a much-needed alternative to traditional treatments for cancer-related depression and anxiety but felt its legal status was a significant barrier to access.
Synthesized
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Participants considered psilocybin a much-needed alternative to traditional treatments for cancer-related depression and anxiety but felt its legal status was a significant barrier to access.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on psilocybin and meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participant Reports of Mindfulness, Posttraumatic Growth, and Social Connectedness in Psilocybin-Assisted Group Therapy: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Gay-identified cisgender men with HIV diagnosed before 1996 and clinically significant... | 2021 | Qualitative study, interpretive phenomenological analysis | n = 9 |
| Development of a digital intervention for psychedelic preparation (DIPP). Past and current attendees of high-dose psilocybin retreats | 2024 | Mixed-methods study with qualitative interviews and co-design workshops | n = 47 |
| Altered states of leadership: mindfulness meditation, psychedelic use, and leadership development. Adults in the US and UK with a management position as their primary work role | 2023 | Cross-sectional survey with quantitative and qualitative analyses | n = 3,150 |