From “invincibility” to “normalcy”: Coping 
strategies of young adults during the cancer journey

Miedema, Baukje; Hamilton, Ryan; Easley, Julie

doi:10.1017/s147895150707006x

Cited by 85 publications

(104 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…YP in this study engaged in comparisons of their health with others peers with CF; a finding which replicated previous work (Thorne 1993, Miedema et al 2007, Taylor et al 2008). …”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 83%

Using poetry to explore normalcy as a coping mechanism for young people with cystic fibrosis

MacDonald

2017

Journal of Research in Nursing

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Living with chronic illness can lead to a spiral of losses including social capital, mobility, physical health and self-worth. One method of coping with a long-term condition is normalcy: psychological bracketing of the illness as a means of coping, and may include the embodiment of treatment as part of the norm. This paper explores the concept of normalcy in young people with cystic fibrosis, disseminated through poetry. The theme of normalcy emerged in a study exploring the experiences of young ‘expert patients’ in partnership with their healthcare team. Observations of outpatient consultations between 10 young people with cystic fibrosis (CF), two carers and the CF team ( n = 11) and subsequent interviews were undertaken to explore perceptions of partnership. Once findings emerged from the original study these were recrafted into poems as an alternative means of dissemination. The poetry from ‘what’s in a norm?’ reflects the young people’s voices and the writer’s interpretation of how normalcy has become embedded into their ways of being. Minimising the impact of CF in this sample was commonplace. Normalcy as a concept emerged strongly in young people with CF in this study. Almost exclusively young people viewed the range of treatments and symptoms as not significant. Further probing revealed a very different picture, one of heavy treatment burden and symptom management. Normalcy may serve as a positive means of coping with the burden of disease. Dissemination of research findings through poetry can enhance nurses’ empathic understanding and provide holistic interpretation of events rather than just summative findings.

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“…YP in this study engaged in comparisons of their health with others peers with CF; a finding which replicated previous work (Thorne 1993, Miedema et al 2007, Taylor et al 2008). …”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 83%

Using poetry to explore normalcy as a coping mechanism for young people with cystic fibrosis

MacDonald

2017

Journal of Research in Nursing

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“…We acknowledge that men also develop breast cancer; however, we did not include them in this study due to the low incidence rate. The age category used to define "young" is somewhat arbitrary and extremely variable [25]. Many studies focus on biological markers such as menopause to determine a younger population, while statistical database references often vary the specific age limits.…”

Section: Inclusion Criteriamentioning

confidence: 99%

Barriers to rehabilitative care for young breast cancer survivors: a qualitative understanding

Miedema

Easley

2011

Support Care Cancer

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The contexts of young women's lives can have a substantial impact on their decisions to seek and receive rehabilitative care after breast cancer treatment. The systemic barriers can be reduced by introducing more services or financial assistance; however, the personal barriers to rehabilitation services are difficult to ameliorate due to the complex set of roles within and outside the family for this group of young breast cancer survivors. Health care providers need to take into consideration the multiple contexts of women's lives when developing and promoting breast cancer rehabilitation services and programs.

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“…The most important points in the cancer journey from the patient's perspective are acute care (including diagnosis) and follow-up care 5 . In the present study, we focus exclusively on the survivorship phase-and particularly on the cancer follow-up care (cfc) experiences of young adult cancer survivors in Canada.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Do Current Cancer Follow-Up Care Practices Meet the Needs of Young Adult Cancer Survivors in Canada? A Aualitative Inquiry

2013

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Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to assess whether current cancer follow-up care practices meet the needs of young adult cancer survivors in Canada. Methods: This qualitative study used a constructivist grounded theory framework to analyze telephone interviews with cancer survivors from across Canada diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 39 years. The focus was specifically on cancer follow-up care (cfc). Results: Interviews were conducted with 55 participants, and 53 interviews were used for the analysis. The overall theme that emerged from the data was the lack of age-specific cfc. Some of the subthemes that emerged were the absence or inadequacy of fertility and infertility treatment options; of psychological services such as family, couples, and sexuality counseling; of social supports such as assistance with entry or re-entry into the education system or workplace; of access to supplemental health insurance; and of survivorship care plans. Based on the data resulting from the interviews, we developed a conceptual model of young-adult cfc incorporating the major themes and subthemes that emerged from our study. The proposed model aims to ensure a more age-appropriate and comprehensive approach to cfc for this group of cancer patients. Conclusions: Current Canadian cfc practices are inadequate and do not provide comprehensive care for young adult cancer survivors in Canada. The conceptual model presented here aims to ensure a more comprehensive approach to cfc that meets the needs of this unique cancer population and reduces further possible physical, psychological, or social cancer sequelae.

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From “invincibility” to “normalcy”: Coping strategies of young adults during the cancer journey

Cited by 85 publications

References 22 publications

Using poetry to explore normalcy as a coping mechanism for young people with cystic fibrosis

Using poetry to explore normalcy as a coping mechanism for young people with cystic fibrosis

Barriers to rehabilitative care for young breast cancer survivors: a qualitative understanding

Do Current Cancer Follow-Up Care Practices Meet the Needs of Young Adult Cancer Survivors in Canada? A Aualitative Inquiry

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