To identify strategies to support cancer survivors with the re-construction of their occupational being

Abstract

Advancements in medicine have led to an increase in the number of people surviving cancer. As a result of this progress, there is a greater need to understand the survivorship phase of an individual's journey with cancer to ensure they receive the care and support they need. There is a growing awareness of the multi-faceted impact a cancer diagnosis and treatment has on an individual. This experience not only challenges an individual's physical well-being but also their psychological and social well-being. The survivorship phase of cancer brings its own challenges as an individual is left to deal with the physical effects of treatment and the emotional and psychological trauma of their experience. During this period, individuals may have to adapt their daily routines, prioritise occupations and manage changing roles, to compensate for loss of ability or functioning. This is an extremely individual experience and differs greatly from one survivor to the next. However, there is a need to increase awareness of the broader issues experienced by cancer survivors within health and social care to ensure the correct care and support is available. This thesis will explore the impact of cancer survivorship on an individual's occupational being. A qualitative design will be used to identify the occupational needs of eight cancer survivors. By adapting a participatory action research approach, the researcher aims to identify strategies to support cancer survivors with the re-construction of their occupational being throughout cancer survivorship.