Sense-Making Around Psilocybin in UK Women Experiencing Cancer-Related Existential Distress: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Qualitative Health Research February 17, 2026 Zaynab Khan, Sterre Weaver, Rachael V. Dando et al. 1 citation
Seven women in the United Kingdom with a current or previous cancer diagnosis were interviewed about their attitudes toward using psilocybin for mental health. Four had used psilocybin and three had considered it. Participants viewed psilocybin as a needed alternative to traditional treatments for depression and anxiety linked to their cancer diagnosis, but they felt its illegal status was a major barrier to access. Three themes emerged: somatic healing needs, illegality as both a burden and boundary, and reconnecting self, nature, and mortality. The authors suggest a compassionate access scheme in the UK could transform mental health care for people with cancer.