How do they grow out of their cancer experience? Korean adolescent and young adult cancer survivors' stories. Issue 8 (17th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yi, Jaehee; Kim, Min Ah; Akter, Jesmin
• Is Part Of: Ethnicity & health. Volume 26:Issue 8(2021)
• Page Start: 1163
• Page End: 1179
• Publication Date: 2021-11-17
• Subjects: Cancer survivors -- post-traumatic growth -- psychosocial -- thematic analysis; Ethnic groups -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Ethnic groups -- Medical care -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Ethnic Groups -- periodicals; Delivery of Health Care -- periodicals; Social Sciences -- periodicals; 362.1089
• DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2019.1606164
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-7858

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives: Cancer experiences can bring positive as well as negative impacts. The current literature, however, focuses mainly on the negative impacts. This qualitative study examines Korean childhood cancer survivors' post-traumatic growth, which concerns how they respond positively to the cancer experience and how they change as a result of their experience. Design: In-person or telephone interviews were conducted with 31 adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer post-treatment who were living in Korea. Results: Thematic analysis found that childhood cancer survivors experienced growth by feeling gratitude (being content with the present, making comparisons with worse situations), engaging in self-affirmation ('I am strong'; 'My example can help others'; 'I am ready for new challenges'), deepening faith (communicating with God, trusting God's direction), and finding the social meaning of cancer (becoming a self-advocate, mapping out a career path). Conclusions: The study findings can be used by psychosocial care professionals to support Korean cancer survivors to recognize post-traumatic growth and, thus, achieve improved well-being.