“Cancer Survivors” as Voluntary Helpers in Cancer Associations in France. Limits of the Balance between Service Offer and Social Demand

Abstract

Historically, in France, cancer associations have been managed by doctors. Despite this, the French healthcare system has increasingly encouraged them to attract voluntary helpers who are not health workers. This development has given rise to the question of the competence and legitimacy of voluntary workers in cancer associations. The aim of the present study was to identify the skills possessed by voluntary helpers who have survived the disease and the extent to which their skills meet the needs of cancer associations in responding to the demands that have emerged in this new context. This is a qualitative study based on data collected during semi-directed interviews, focus group sessions and on-site observations in a variety of French cancer associations. Categorical and thematic analyses were then carried out separately for each ethnographic method used. The study showed that because the commitment of survivor voluntary helpers derives from their own experience of the disease, it is inconsistent with the fulfilment of the association's collective aims, such as the search for funding or project development. These helpers nevertheless play an important role that involves a special link between the individual and the group, between the community and society. To conclude, "involved" volunteers have to reconcile their individual expectations with the association's collective aims.

Factors that influence the retention of social volunteers in health: a comparison between the literature and the perception of volunteers

“…Motivation often comes from a sense of commitment to the community and a willingness to feel useful to society (Pourtau et al, 2016) or even as a way to make friends or develop social bonds (Omoto and Snyder, 1995). Penner (2002) argues that some individuals may volunteer due to the existence of social pressure, which occurs when they start from a subjective assessment of the expectations of others.…”

“…The acquisition of new skills is essential for the continuity of activities and to maintain the commitment of volunteers, especially in health related areas. When surviving volunteers and sick patients are involved, for example, there is a need for them to understand the challenges surrounding this relationship and how they should use their experience with the disease in a useful way for the treatment being developed (Pourtau et al, 2016). Moreover, the importance of being prepared to develop their activities and the action of organizations to promote their training makes them feel more valued and, consequently, increase their degree of satisfaction (Ferreira, 2012).…”