The impact of the cancer experience on long-term survivors

Little is known about the impact of the cancer experience on long-term survivors of adult cancers. This exploratory study describes survivors' needs and identifies emic (in the subject's own words) categories and patterns among physiological, psychological, and socioeconomic changes, problems/concerns, and needs. A purposive sample of 17 adults more than two years post-cancer therapy was interviewed using the semi-structured Cancer Survivor Questionnaire (CSQ). Deductive content analysis was used to identify specific changes, problems/concerns, or needs associated with physiological, psychological, and socioeconomic categories. Inductive content analysis identified major emic themes and patterns. Findings indicate that the cancer experience permanently changes life patterns and suggest guidelines for nurses to use in helping the cancer survivor better adapt holistically to long-term survival.