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The experience of cancer
L J Muzzin1, N J Anderson, A T Figueredo
1Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Cancer patients and their families often experience social isolation, impacting their ability to cope with long-term physical and psychological challenges. Support services are underutilized due to medicalization and stigma, leaving many survivors to face ongoing difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Sociology of Health and Illness
- Psychosocial Oncology
Background:
- Cancer is often viewed as a 'living-dying' experience, requiring individuals and families to normalize daily life amidst life-threatening illness.
- North American families affected by cancer frequently encounter social isolation, lacking access to community support services and networks.
- The medicalization and stigma surrounding cancer lead to underutilization of available resources by patients and their families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the challenges faced by cancer patients and their families throughout the illness trajectory.
- To investigate the impact of social isolation on cancer patients and survivors.
- To explore the long-term psychosocial and physical consequences of cancer survivorship.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of the cancer 'illness career'.
- Review of existing literature on patient and family coping mechanisms.
- Examination of participation rates in support services and palliative care movements.
Main Results:
- Many cancer patients and families experience social isolation, with limited engagement in community services.
- A minority access self-help groups (e.g., Cancer Society) or palliative/hospice care.
- Cancer survivors face significant long-term challenges, including physical disabilities, fear of recurrence, social stigma, and relationship difficulties.
Conclusions:
- Cancer survivorship presents a prolonged ordeal, marked by persistent physical, psychological, and social challenges.
- The 'sword of Damocles' effect of cancer impacts individuals and families lifelong.
- Improved access to and utilization of social support networks are crucial for cancer patients and survivors.
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