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Identity reconstruction among older cancer survivors: Age and meaning in the context of a life-altering illness
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Identity reconstruction among older cancer survivors: Age and meaning in the context of a life-altering illness

Susan M. Hannum, Katherine Clegg Smith, Kisha Coa and Ann C. Klassen
Journal of psychosocial oncology, v 34(6), pp 477-492
01 Jan 2016
PMID: 27715772

Abstract

Psychology Psychology, Social Social Sciences
This article evaluates how older cancer patients describe cancer survivorship and incorporate the cancer experience into long-term evaluations of health. From a series of 53 qualitative interviews with adults with histories of breast and prostate cancers and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, we analyzed age-related discussions among those 65 and older (n = 21). Emergent themes revealed the: (1) historical conceptualization of cancer, (2) changed perspective following diagnosis, (3) cancer in the context of a long biography, (4) cancer in the context of the aging body and decline, and (5) meaning of time remaining and quality of life. One important suggestion from our work, relevant to all clinicians regardless of specialty or role, is to incorporate goals for the future into individualized survivor care plans for older survivors.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Psychology, Social
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