Factors Associated with “Survivor Identity” in Men with Breast Cancer

Dalton, Kathryn; Garland, Sheila N.; Miller, Peggy J.; Miller, Bret; ambrose, Cheri; Wassersug, Richard J.

doi:10.3390/curroncol28030158

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Tis seemed to relate to visible signs of having had cancer, such as hair loss, which men felt was accompanied, a "bad cancer" that was not something the men identifed with. Similar discomfort with the label of "survivor" have been shown in studies of males with breast cancer [31] perhaps suggesting the survivor identity may have gendered connotations also.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 55%

Prostate Cancer, Radical Prostatectomy, Recovery, and Survivorship: A Narrative Study of How Men Make Sense of a Cancer Diagnosis

Corbally

McGarvey

Kestell

2023

European Journal of Cancer Care

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Prostate cancer invariably impacts men’s health and well-being and remains the most common male cancer. This study explored how men with prostate cancer who were scheduled for radical prostatectomy made sense of their cancer diagnosis. A narrative analysis was performed of 18 men’s life stories at three different time points: preoperatively (n = 13), three months postoperatively (n = 10), and six to nine months postoperatively (n = 11). In total, 34 interviews were undertaken in Ireland to examine how men talked over time. Riessman’s narrative analytic technique and structural and thematic analysis were used as the analytic framework. The following four themes emerged which reflected how men made sense of their prostate cancer diagnosis: seeking coherence, connecting through collective masculinity, rejecting a survivorship identity, and positioning prostate cancer. Seeking coherence was evident in the preoperative phase whilst the other three themes emerged in both postoperative time points. Whilst the experience of prostate cancer was an individualised one, masculine identity and narrative positioning underpinned every aspect of men’s accounts. Subscription to and expression of a masculine identity underpinned all aspects of the men’s narratives. In conclusion, it is recommended that care interventions targeted towards meeting the unmet needs of this group account for this highly masculinised experience. Appropriately sequenced information and support which is gender sensitive to individualised and collective identity expression is crucial. Acknowledgment of masculinised language is also recommended for men’s individual and collective recovery from this life-altering experience.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 55%

Prostate Cancer, Radical Prostatectomy, Recovery, and Survivorship: A Narrative Study of How Men Make Sense of a Cancer Diagnosis

Corbally

McGarvey

Kestell

2023

European Journal of Cancer Care

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“…Many cancer patients are themselves not comfortable with the label “survivor” [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. In addition, patients and partners often differ in their concern about cancer reoccurrence [ 13 ] and, as such, would have different comfort levels with the term “survivor”.…”

Section: Is “Co-survivor” a Better Term?mentioning

confidence: 99%

“Partner”, “Caregiver”, or “Co-Survivor”—Might the Label We Give the Partners of Cancer Patients Affect the Health Outcome of the Patients and Their Partners?

McGillivray

Piccolo²,

Wassersug

2021

Current Oncology

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Having a life partner significantly extends survival for most cancer patients. The label given to the partners of cancer patients may, however, influence the health of not just the patients but their partners. “Caregiver” is an increasingly common label for the partners of patients, but it carries an implicit burden. Referring to partners as “caregivers” may be detrimental to the partnerships, as it implies that the individuals are no longer able to be co-supportive. Recognizing this, there has been some effort to relabel cancer dyads as “co-survivors”. However, many cancer patients are not comfortable being called a “survivor”, and the same may apply to their partners. Cancer survivorship, we argue, could be enhanced by helping keep the bond between patients and their partners strong. This includes educating patients and partners about diverse coping strategies that individuals use when facing challenges to their health and wellbeing. We suggest that preemptive couples’ counselling in cancer centers may benefit both patients and their partners.

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