Survivorship, The First Breath, Learning to Live (2004)
Group or Institution
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)
Author(s)
Helen Brennan, Lisa Horsfield, Jasmine Kingi, Kim Merrett, Karen Ryan, David Scott, Pam Williams (Tutor: Margaret Couch)
Abstract
The objective of this study was to provide 'workable' recommendations for the Waikato/ Bay of Plenty Division of the Cancer Society by exploring issues as they relate to the psychosocial needs of cancer survivors.
This collaborative project was undertaken by seven-second year nursing students studying at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) in conjunction with the Cancer Society represented by Diana Bowen (community development). The project was supervised by Margaret Couch, Nursing Department tutor.
Data has been collated for analysis through an extensive review of literature, key informant interviews and attendance at public awareness meetings and events organized by the Cancer Society to provide insights into issues faced by survivors.
Prior to gaining these insights the group brought with them a variety of views around the concepts of survivorship. Ranging from survivorship as a totally new concept encompassing the ‘curative’ state or remission, to the quality of life experienced regardless of the prognosis.
The project process has served to bridge our earlier perceptions and informed a new and deeper understanding of what survivorship may mean for each individual who faces this experience.
These insights have led us to a new realisation that survivorship can be seen as:
Survivorship is living through the experience of cancer from diagnosis on a continuum that is unique to each person. How this experience affects each person depends upon many factors such as their diagnosis along with their persona, their resilience and their support networks.
The findings derived from the project identified a ‘sense of abandonment’ was experienced by many living through cancer upon completion of intensive treatment regimes. This allowed us to understand where this concept located itself along the continuum of the cancer experience and whilst it is significant was only one part of this experience. Literature provided very limited information around the concept of abandonment. During exploration of the concept of survivorship the lack of acknowledgement of the psychosocial needs of the cancer survivors became evident.
These insights supported the development of the following recommendations.
- That the Waikato/ Bay of Plenty Cancer Society extends the range of public education programmes offered and includes a programme specific to survivorship.
- Evaluate the need for providing education courses for health professionals to assist them in meeting the ongoing needs of those affected by cancer.
- Provide ongoing education for staff of the Waikato/ Bay of Plenty Cancer Society modelled on the Auckland Cancer Society psychosocial services.
- That the Waikato/ Bay of Plenty Cancer Society support and encourage ongoing research into the long term effects of living with cancer in New Zealand.
It is hoped that these recommendations will allow the Waikato / Bay of Plenty Cancer Society to expand their support services to assist individuals diagnosed with cancer, their supporting families and friends to cope with the psychosocial demands of survivorship and the experience of abandonment.
Group/s Associated with the Research:
Waikato/BOP Branch of the Cancer Society
A full copy of the report is available from:
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