The omnipresence of cancer

Zumstein-Shaha, Maya; Lynn Cox, Carol (2003). The omnipresence of cancer European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 7(3), pp. 191-196. Elsevier 10.1016/S1462-3889(03)00026-7

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The study described in this article addressed the phenomena of living with a diagnosis ofcolorectal cancer. Rationale for undertaking the research was that a need had been identi-f|ed to describe the experience of living with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer and what thismeans to an individual.To explore the lived experience of colorectal cancer, a phenomeno-logical study was undertaken based on Heidegger’s philosophy as presented in his seminalwork ‘Being and Time’. Seven patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer were interviewedover a time-span of 13 months. Patients participating in the study were recruited fromthree Swiss hospitals. Data were analysed by following Colaizzi’s eight-step process as citedin Haase (1987, p 66 -- 67). Analysis identif|ed one main category: ‘The Omnipresence ofCancer’ and two sub-categories: ‘Towards Authentic Dasein’ (Towards Authentic Being)and ‘Mapping out the Future’.The research demonstrated that having received a diagnosisof cancer means an individual is faced with the potential of lifelong illness and death, feelsstigmatised by the diagnosis and is classif|ed as belonging to an illness group. Individuals whohave been diagnosed with colorectal cancer need to talk with health-care professionalsabout their experiences and concerns. It is important that in-depth discussions occurbetween patients and health-care professionals so that the patient’s questions anduncertainties may be addressed.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	School of Health Professions School of Health Professions > Nursing
Name:	Zumstein-Shaha, Maya0000-0003-4253-3123 and Lynn Cox, Carol
ISSN:	1462-3889
Publisher:	Elsevier
Language:	English
Submitter:	Maya Zumstein-Shaha
Date Deposited:	01 Jun 2021 15:41
Last Modified:	22 May 2023 14:36
Publisher DOI:	10.1016/S1462-3889(03)00026-7
Additional Information:	Notes: ISI Document Delivery No.: 213SM Times Cited: 0 Cited Reference Count: 0 Suppl. S Custom 1: Meeting Abstract Date: 2007
ARBOR DOI:	10.24451/arbor.12521
URI:	https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/12521