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Activism among exceptional patients with cancer
Moshe Frenkel1, Shachar Lev Ari, Joan Engebretson
1Integrative Medicine Program, Unit 145, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA. frenkelm@netvision.net.il
Summary
Cancer survivors with advanced, incurable disease who experienced remission often engaged in personal activism. This theme of taking charge and increased altruism was observed in both US and Israeli patients, suggesting a common psychological response to extreme health challenges.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychology
- Patient Experience Research
Background:
- Investigates
- exceptional cancer patients
- survivors with advanced, incurable cancer who achieved remission or unexplained survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and understand the lived experiences and accounts of cancer survivors with exceptional disease courses.
Main Methods:
- Employed a narrative approach with cross-case thematic analysis.
- Recruited participants from healthcare centers in the USA and Israel.
- Conducted independent interviews and thematic analyses at each site, followed by joint discussion to identify common themes.
Main Results:
- Interviewed 26 participants (14 USA, 12 Israel) with diverse advanced cancer diagnoses.
- Identified "personal activism" as the main recurrent theme across both sites.
- Personal activism manifested as taking charge of treatment and increased altruism, often leading to a changed life philosophy.
Conclusions:
- Activism emerged as a significant, independently observed theme in both US and Israeli exceptional cancer patients.
- Findings suggest healthcare providers should facilitate greater patient engagement in cancer care and treatment.
- Further research is warranted to explore this phenomenon of exceptional cancer survival.
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