Patient, cured, victim or survivor of urological cancer? A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose:to describe the meanings that patients attribute to the term cancer survivor and to analyze the identities assumed by them according to their experience with the disease. Methods:qualitative study with a narrative method, theoretical framework of the medical anthropology and identity concept. The study included 14 participants, men and women, diagnosed with urologic cancer. The semi-structured interviews were performed at the individual’s home, after confirming participation. Results:eight participants assumed to be survivors, but five also assumed at least one other identity, in addition to cancer survivor. In contrast, among the six who defined themselves as cured, only one indicated another identity. Four considered themselves as victims and only two as cancer patients. However, the latter - cancer patient and victim - assumed at least one other associated identity. Conclusions:allowing patients to reflect on themselves and their experience with the disease, as well as attributing themselves a new identity, will be directly related to the wellbeing and momentum the survivor is going through. Therefore, it can direct care in the cancer survivorship phase according to each survivor’s individual context.

Memórias de idosos que vivem com o Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana

“…Os familiares vivenciam, também, as diferentes fases de adaptação ao resultado positivo de HIV assemelhando-se àquelas vividas pela pessoa soropositiva. [5][6][7][10][11] A família constituída como suporte e como um lugar seguro para membros vulneráveis, mostra-se importante para o acolhimento da pessoa convivendo com o HIV. O apoio familiar reflete na reestruturação e autoaceitação do mesmo após o diagnóstico do HIV.…”

“…9 Busca-se então, construir e desconstruir discursos na pesquisa narrativa, permitindo ao pesquisador compreender a verdade imersa em outras verdades, sendo ainda um momento em que percebe-se a transformação das mudanças pessoais referentes às experiências do sujeito que vive com a doença ao longo de sua vida. 10 Memórias de idosos que vivem com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana | 4…”

“…Enferm. UFSM, Santa Maria, v10, p. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]2020 No ambulatório onde os dados foram coletados que serve de referência a 62 municípios, no ano de 2017, passaram por consulta médica um total de 268 pessoas vivendo com HIV, sendo 43 (16,0%) destes maiores de 60 anos. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se a entrevista não-diretiva.…”

Existential phenomenological view of health care experiences from the perspective of cancer survivors

“…In these relationships, man's vulnerability, which is associated with fragility and risk, can be considered a way of manifesting the Being, not necessarily being pejorative. When he is vulnerable, man has limited autonomy, as he is subject to diseases and other problems, but that does not mean that he is inert, unable to decide or do anything about it (4) . Thus, in their existential condition, cancer survivors are also vulnerable, but seeks, in the care relationship with them, to stand out from such condition.…”

“…In Brazil, there is also no widespread definition regarding the term "cancer survivor", and, consequently, this term is seldom used and explored in research (4) . An American study presents a definition according to patients' clinical conditions.…”