Identity reconstruction among older cancer survivors: Age and meaning in the context of a life-altering illness. Issue 6 (1st November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hannum, Susan M.; Clegg Smith, Katherine; Coa, Kisha; Klassen, Ann C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychosocial oncology. Volume 34:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 477
• Page End: 492
• Publication Date: 2016-11-01
• Subjects: cancer -- finitude -- life course -- older adults -- qualitative research -- survivorship; Cancer -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 362.196994
• DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2016.1221017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0734-7332

Abstract

ABSTRACT: 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.