Life after cancer - the new self : from a young adult to a cancer survivor : living with the effects of cancer years later

Abstract

This research aims to bring into perspective how young adult survivors of cancer diagnosed in their teenage years or in the early years of adulthood changed their outlook on cancer over the period of time from before their diagnosis, through their treatment, and after recovery, that is in the transition from being a cancer patient to a cancer survivor. Such transformation includes: treatment repercussions and disruptions to the body identity and self, such as disfigurement and loss of function, reproductive problems, chronic fatigue, and cognitive impairment, financial burdens, anxiety about recurrence (Kent, et al., 2015), the shift from always having the parent/s and/or guardians managing medical appointments and consultations, to having to become fully independent and managing these alone to name a few. The researcher will be able to identify and analyse former patients’ cancer perception and how it has changed their self and/or identity, as well as the social and medical/health challenges they faced, are currently facing, and/or are expected to face in the near future. In this research a qualitative methodological framework was selected in conjunction with a case study approach. Secondary data was collected through direct literature, mainly from books and journals. This will then be followed with primary data which will be collected through semi-structured/in-depth interviews with childhood/teenage cancer survivors who have passed their five-year remission and are at least of eighteen years of age. The findings of this research suggests that some of the identified challenges encountered by young cancer survivors could be mitigated through support of different entities. The research concludes by expressing that such challenges and hindrances causes further social distress within the survivors and their families, and that most support entities as well as the general public are not aware of.