Case Study On Patients' Gender, Lifestyle And Coping With Non-Invasive Bladder Cancer

Abstract

Objective and rational: The objective of this study case is to fill the gap in knowledge concerning patients' gender, lifestyle and coping with superficial non-invasive bladder cancer. Multi-disciplinary health caregivers face significant challenge in supporting and promoting patient's coping and compliance to meticulous surveillance. Cancer in the urine bladder is the 5th type of cancer in the Israeli population.Recurrence is seen in 50-70% of the patients, and 15% of patients will have a higher stage of carcinoma (meaning, transition from non-invasive phase to muscle invasion phase with sever health implications). However, non-invasive phase of the disease is often under estimated. Here presented preliminary findings.Research method: Eight patients receiving standard of care (at the Bnai-Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel) for superficial non-invasive bladder cancer, were randomly assigned to in-depth interviews, and gave their consent to participate. Interviews' Information was cross checked with patients' medical records. The study was approved by the Hospital Ethic Committee. Patients' demography: Gender: seven men and three women; Age range: fifty-six to seventy-three years; Religion: seven Jewish, one male Christian Arab; Education: Five patients have academic education; three patients have eleven to twelve years of education. Results, Conclusions and Recommendations: Discussion on preliminary findings from patients' narratives related to their gender, physical and emotional symptoms, lifestyle, and coping with superficial noninvasive bladder cancer will be presented. Conclusions and recommendations will emphasize the importance of integrative medical and social care program.